RC Circuit Analysis

Circuit with resistance and capacitance

Charging and discharging

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UWisconsin, Physics 104, Fall 2003

Problem-Solving Strategy Kirchhoffs Rules

Draw the circuit diagram and assign labels and symbols to all known and unknown quantities. Assign directions to the currents. Apply the junction rule to any junction in the circuit Apply the loop rule to as many loops as are needed to solve for the unknowns Solve the equations simultaneously for the unknown quantities.

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UWisconsin, Physics 104, Fall 2003

Example
In the circuit below your are given E1, E2, R1, R2 and R3. Find I1, I2 and I3.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Label all currents

(Choose any direction)

Label +/- for all elements (Current goes + - ) Choose loop and direction (Your choice!) Write down voltage drops (First sign you hit is sign to use!) Write down node equation Loop 1: 1+I1R1 I2R2 = 0 Loop 2: + I2R2 + I3R3 + 2 = 0 Node: I1 + I2 = I3
+ 1 + R1 - I1
Loop 1

I3

R2

I2 R3
Loop 2

+ +
3

3 Equations, 3 unknowns the rest is algebra!

9/29/04 UWisconsin, Physics 104, Fall 2003

What is the resistance of a capacitor?

Answer depends on time!
Uncharged
Initially voltage drop between the plates is zero The charges flow in and build up on the plates Resistance starts off from zero, R0 = V / I = 0 / I = 0

Fully charged

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Charge on the plates builds to a maximum No more current flow Voltage reaches a maximum Resistance approaches infinity, R = V / I = V / 0 =
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Combine R+C Circuits

Gives time dependence
Current is not constant, I(t) Charge on the capacitor is not constant, q(t)

Used for timing

Pacemaker Intermittent windshield wipers

Models nervous system

Olympic Trivia: How soon after starting gun can you run w/o getting a False Start?
0.1 seconds
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RC Circuits: Charging
The switches are originally open and the capacitor is uncharged. Then switch S1 is closed.
Kirchoffs Voltage Rule: -V+I(t)R+q(t)/C = 0 Just after S1 closing: q=q0= 0 -V + I0R=0 I0 = V /R Long time after: I=0 -V + q/C =0 q =V C Intermediate (more complex) q(t) = q(1-e-t/RC) I(t) = I0e-t/RC
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+
R V

+ -

- I + S1 C

Q=CV
S2

q
1 Q f( x ) 0.5

RC

2RC

UWisconsin, Physics 104, Fall 2003

0 0

x t/RC

Charging in an RC Circuit
The charge on the capacitor varies with time
q = Q(1 e-t/RC) The time constant, =RC

The time constant represents the time required for the charge to increase from zero to 63.2% of its maximum

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UWisconsin, Physics 104, Fall 2003

Discharging in an RC Circuit
When a charged capacitor is placed in the circuit, it can be discharged
q = Qe-t/RC

The charge decreases exponentially At t = = RC, the charge decreases to 0.368 Qmax

In other words, in one time constant, the capacitor loses 63.2% of its initial charge

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UWisconsin, Physics 104, Fall 2003

Preflight: Short Term

Both switches are initially open, and the capacitor is uncharged. What is the current through the battery just after switch S1 is closed?
+ 2R -

1) Ib = 0 2) Ib = V/(3R) 3) Ib = V/(2R) 4) Ib = V/R

0% 9% 22%

27%

Ib
42%

V
50%

+ -

+ S2

10%

20%

30%

40%

KVL: -V + I(2R) + q/C = 0 q=0 I = V/(2R)

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S1

Pretty Sure Not Quite Sure Just Guessing

Preflight: Long Time

Both switches are initially open, and the capacitor is uncharged. What is the current through the battery after switch 1 has been + 2R closed a long time?
1) Ib = 0 2) Ib = V/(3R) 3) Ib = V/(2R) 4) Ib = V/R
11% 0% 10% 22% 38% 29%

Ib V

+ -

+ S2

20%

30%

40%

Pretty Sure Not Quite Sure Just Guessing

S1

Long time current through capacitor is zero Ib=0 because the battery and capacitor are in series.
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KVL: -V + 0 + q/C = 0 q = VC
UWisconsin, Physics 104, Fall 2003

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Preflight: Discharge
After being closed for a long time, the switch 1 is opened, while switch 2 is closed simultaneously. What is the current through the resistor, R?
1) IR = 0 2) IR = V/(3R) 3) IR = V/(2R)
0% 10% 20% 34% 26% 18% 23%

+ 2R -

Ib
40%

IR
C

30%

V
Pretty Sure Not Quite Sure Just Guessing

+ -

4) IR = V/R

+ S2

Long time capacitor is fully charged to V

S1

Switch 1 open, switch 2 closed means C discharges through R.

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KVR: V + IRR = 0 q = VC

UWisconsin, Physics 104, Fall 2003

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Charging: Intermediate Times

Calculate the charge on the capacitor 310-3 seconds after switch 1 is closed. R= 10 , V= 50 Volts, C= 100F q(t) = q(1-e-t/RC) -3 -6) = q(1-e-310 /(2010010 )) = q (0.78)
V

+ 2R Ib

+ -

+ S2

Recall q = V C
= (50)(100x10-6) (0.78) = 3.9 x10-3 Coulombs
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S1

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Electrical Safety
Electric shock can result in fatal burns Electric shock can cause the muscles of vital organs (such as the heart) to malfunction The degree of damage depends on
the magnitude of the current the length of time it acts the part of the body through which it passes

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UWisconsin, Physics 104, Fall 2003

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Effects of Various Currents

5 mA or less
can cause a sensation of shock generally little or no damage

10 mA
hand muscles contract may be unable to let go a of live wire

100 mA
if passes through the body for 1 second or less, can be fatal

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UWisconsin, Physics 104, Fall 2003

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Ground Wire
Electrical equipment manufacturers use electrical cords that have a third wire, called a ground Prevents shocks

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UWisconsin, Physics 104, Fall 2003

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Ground Fault Interrupts (GFI)

Special power outlets Used in hazardous areas Designed to protect people from electrical shock Senses currents (of about 5 mA or greater) leaking to ground Shuts off the current when above this level

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UWisconsin, Physics 104, Fall 2003

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Electrical Signals in Neurons

Specialized cells in the body, called neurons, form a complex network that receives, processes, and transmits information from one part of the body to another Three classes of neurons
Sensory neurons
Receive stimuli from sensory organs that monitor the external and internal environment of the body

Motor neurons
Carry messages that control the muscle cells

Interneurons
Transmit information from one neuron to another

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Diagram of a Neuron

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UWisconsin, Physics 104, Fall 2003

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