In: Physics
RC circuit. The time constant
1. How is a capacitor physically constructed?
2. How is the unit of capacity defined?
3. What is the electrical symbol of a capacitor?
4. What physical factors determine and affect the capacitance of a capacitor?
5. How is the time constant of an RC circuit defined?
1.
The simplest form of a capacitor is “ parallel plate capacitor” and its construction can be done by two metal plates that are placed parallel to each other at some distance.
If a voltage source is connected across a capacitor where the +Ve (positive terminal) is connected to the positive terminal of a capacitor and negative terminal is connected to –Ve (negative terminal) of the capacitor. Then, the energy which is stored in the capacitor is directly proportional to the applied voltage.
2.Using the definition of capacitance: ?=?⋅? and inversely ?=?/? where ? is the electric charge, normally measured in ? (Coulombs) and ? is the difference of potential between the capacitor plates, normally measured in ? (Volts) . A 1 farad capacitor, when charged with 1 coulomb of electrical charge, has a potential difference of 1 volt between its plates.
3.this is electrical symbol of a capacitor.
4.The capacitance of a capacitor is affected by the area of the plates, the distance between the plates, and the ability of the dielectric to support electrostatic forces.
5.This RC time constant only specifies a rate of charge where, R is in Ω and C in Farads.
T=R*C