Question Detail

PHY 102 Current Electricity Objective Question

Question

In a charging RC circuit, what fraction of the maximum charge does the capacitor acquire after one time constant (τ)?
Options
A Approximately 36%
B Approximately 50%
C Approximately 64%
Correct Answer
D Approximately 100%
Correct Answer

Option C is the correct answer.

Detailed Explanation

Page 21 states that after one time constant, the 'Charge on capacitor plates rises to ~64% of maximum value'. Mathematically, at t = τ, q(τ) = Qmax (1 - e⁻¹) ≈ Qmax (1 - 0.3678) ≈ 0.632 Qmax.

Hint

Use the formula q(t) = Qmax (1 - e⁻ᵗ/ᴿᶜ) and substitute t = τ.

Question Info