🧲ap physics 2 review

Time constant

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Verified for the 2027 exam
Verified for the 2027 examWritten by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025

Definition

A characteristic parameter of an RC circuit, denoted τ, that measures how quickly a capacitor charges or discharges. Defined as τ = R_eq × C_eq, where R_eq is equivalent resistance and C_eq is equivalent capacitance.

AP course connection

Topic 11.8: 11.8 Resistor-Capacitor (RC) Circuits

Unit 11