RC circuit

Definition

An RC circuit is an electric circuit composed of resistors and capacitors driven by a voltage or current source. It is used to study the behavior of circuits through differential equations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The voltage across the capacitor in an RC circuit can be described using a first-order linear differential equation.
2. The time constant, denoted as $\tau = RC$, determines how quickly the circuit responds to changes in voltage.
3. The natural response of an RC circuit describes how the voltage and current change when no external energy is supplied after initial conditions are set.
4. Kirchhoff's Voltage Law (KVL) is used to derive the differential equation governing an RC circuit.
5. The solution to the differential equation typically involves exponential functions, indicating charging or discharging behavior.

Review Questions

• What is the time constant in an RC circuit and what does it signify?
• How can Kirchhoff's Voltage Law be applied to derive the differential equation for an RC circuit?
• Describe the natural response of an RC circuit after removing any external energy source.

Related terms

Time Constant: Denoted as $\tau = RC$, it represents the time required for the capacitor's voltage to reach approximately 63% of its final value during charging or discharging.

Kirchhoff's Voltage Law (KVL): $\Sigma V = 0$ around any closed loop in a circuit; used to formulate differential equations in electrical circuits.

Natural Response: Describes how voltages and currents decay over time when no external energy sources are present.