AdvancedA-001-001-008
What is the time constant of a circuit having a 100 microfarad capacitor in series with a 470 kilohm resistor?
B
Answer
Advanced theory and components
Type
A
470 seconds
B
47 seconds
C
0.47 seconds
D
4700 seconds
Answer Notes
The time constant (τ) of an RC circuit dictates how quickly it charges or discharges. It is calculated by multiplying the circuit's resistance in ohms (R) by its capacitance in farads (C), using the formula τ = R × C.
To find the answer, you must first convert the given values into their base units. The resistance is 470 kilohms, which is 470,000 ohms. The capacitance is 100 microfarads, which is 0.000100 farads.
Multiplying these together yields 470,000 × 0.000100 = 47. Therefore, the time constant is exactly 47 seconds.
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What is the time constant of a circuit having a 470 microfarad capacitor in series with a 470 kilohm resistor?