The curve that best represents the charge on the capacitor in a charging RC circuit as a function of time is
A) 1
B) 2
C) 3
D) 4
E) 5

Question

The curve that best represents the charge on the capacitor in a charging RC circuit as a function of time is
A) 1 
B) 2 
C) 3 
D) 4 
E) 5

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In a charging RC circuit, the voltage across the capacitor increases exponentially with time according to the formula Vc = V0(1 - e^(-t/RC)), where V0 is the initial voltage, t is time, R is the resistance, and C is the capacitance.

Option D best represents this exponential charge curve, where the charge on the capacitor starts from zero and increases rapidly at first, then slowly approaches the maximum value (equal to the voltage across the circuit) as time goes on.

Option A is a constant curve, which does not represent the charge in a charging RC circuit. Option B is a linear curve, which does not match the exponential behavior. Option C is a decaying exponential curve, which represents the discharge of a capacitor in an RC circuit. Option E is a sine wave, which is not relevant for a charging RC circuit.

The Curve That Best Represents the Charge on the Capacitor