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Here\'s a question from smartPhysics: 5. What is I C,max (open), the current tha

ID: 1320629 • Letter: H

Question

Here's a question from smartPhysics:

5. What is IC,max(open), the current that flows through the capacitor whose magnitude is maximum during the time when the switch is open? A positive value for the current is defined to be in the direction of the arrow shown.

Here's a question from smartPhysics: A circuit is constructed with four resistors, one capacitor, one battery and a switch as shown. The values for the resistors are: R1 = R2 = 42 ohms, R3 = 110 ohms, and R4 = 102 ohms. The capacitance is C = 30 5. What is Ic,max(open), the current that flows through the capacitor whose magnitude is maximum during the time when the switch is open? A positive value for the current is defined to be in the direction of the arrow shown. Mu F and the battery voltage is V = 12 V. The positive terminal of the battery is indicated with a + sign.

Explanation / Answer

Charge and Current on the capacitor after the switch has been closed for long time

Q(infinity)=I(infinity)*R3*C =[V/(R1+R3+R4)]*R3*C

Qinfinity=[12/(42+110+102)]*110*(30*10-6)

Qinfinity=1.56*10-4 C

When Switch is open after very long time

Time Constant

T=(R2+R3)C =(42+110)*(30*10-6)

T=4.56*10-3 s

so

IC,max(open) =-Qinfinity/T =-(1.56*10-4)/(4.56*10-3)

Ic,max(open)=-0.0342 A