Question Detail

PHY 102 Current Electricity Objective Question

Question

When an uncharged capacitor in an RC circuit is connected to a battery for charging, how does the current behave over time?
Options
A It increases exponentially.
B It decreases exponentially.
Correct Answer
C It remains constant.
D It increases linearly.
Correct Answer

Option B is the correct answer.

Detailed Explanation

As shown in graph (a) on page 19 and page 21 for a charging capacitor, the current starts at a maximum value (I₀) when the switch is closed and then decreases exponentially over time as the capacitor charges, eventually approaching zero.

Hint

Think about how the potential difference across the resistor changes as the capacitor accumulates charge.

Question Info