Calculating time constant in RC circuit

Thread starter Hitman6267
Start date May 1, 2010
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Circuit Constant Rc Rc circuit Time Time constant

In summary, a time constant in an RC circuit is a measure of how quickly the voltage or current in the circuit changes in response to a sudden change in the input. It is represented by the symbol τ (tau) and is equal to the product of the resistance (R) and the capacitance (C) in the circuit. The time constant can be calculated by multiplying the resistance (R) in ohms by the capacitance (C) in farads and is important because it determines how fast or slow a circuit will respond to changes in input. The time constant can also be used to calculate the charging or discharging time of a capacitor in an RC circuit, with the charging and discharging time being approximately 5 time

May 1, 2010

Hitman6267

I know that T = RC

I've tried different combinations of R (not really sure what Req to take) but none of them worked. Any one can show me the right way ?

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May 1, 2010

xcvxcvvc

Have you tried taking the Thevenin equivalent for point a to b?

May 1, 2010

Hitman6267

No I haven't and it was suggested on another forum and it worked. Thank you :)

Related to Calculating time constant in RC circuit

1. What is a time constant in an RC circuit?

A time constant in an RC circuit is a measure of how quickly the voltage or current in the circuit changes in response to a sudden change in the input. It is represented by the symbol τ (tau) and is equal to the product of the resistance (R) and the capacitance (C) in the circuit.

2. How do you calculate the time constant in an RC circuit?

The time constant can be calculated by multiplying the resistance (R) in ohms by the capacitance (C) in farads. The resulting unit is in seconds (s).

3. What is the significance of the time constant in an RC circuit?

The time constant is important because it determines how fast or slow a circuit will respond to changes in input. A shorter time constant means the circuit will respond more quickly, while a longer time constant means it will respond more slowly.

4. Can the time constant be used to calculate the charging or discharging time of a capacitor in an RC circuit?

Yes, the time constant can be used to calculate the charging or discharging time of a capacitor in an RC circuit. The charging time is equal to approximately 5 time constants, while the discharging time is equal to approximately 5 time constants as well.

5. How does the value of the time constant change if the resistance or capacitance is varied in an RC circuit?

If the resistance or capacitance is increased in an RC circuit, the time constant will also increase. Similarly, if the resistance or capacitance is decreased, the time constant will decrease. This is because the time constant is directly proportional to both the resistance and capacitance in the circuit.