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Charging and Discharging of Capacitor in RC Circuit

This document describes a physics project on charging and discharging of a capacitor in an RC circuit. It includes an introduction explaining the significance of understanding these processes. The aim is to investigate the relationship between the time constant and the charging/discharging process. It provides a circuit diagram and descriptions of the capacitor, resistor, and their roles in determining the time constant and affecting the rates of charging and discharging. The working of the model is explained through opening and closing switches to demonstrate the charging and discharging behavior.

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56 views

Charging and Discharging of Capacitor in RC Circuit

This document describes a physics project on charging and discharging of a capacitor in an RC circuit. It includes an introduction explaining the significance of understanding these processes. The aim is to investigate the relationship between the time constant and the charging/discharging process. It provides a circuit diagram and descriptions of the capacitor, resistor, and their roles in determining the time constant and affecting the rates of charging and discharging. The working of the model is explained through opening and closing switches to demonstrate the charging and discharging behavior.

Uploaded by

dev
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 9

Charging and discharging of

capacitor in RC circuit

DEV
SHARMA

16 June 2023
—
Physics Project
—
Teacher’s name
INSTRUCTIONS

1 Aim
2. Introduction, what is the
significance of your project
3. Circuit diagram
4. brief description, principle and
working of each component used
with its diagram.
5. Working of the model
6. Practical applications
7. Bibliography.

Cover page, certificate,


acknowledgement and index
are the first 4 pages.

Charging and discharging of capacitor PAGE 2


INDEX

Charging and discharging of capacitor PAGE 3


Acknowledgement
I would like to express my sincere thanks and gratitude to my physics teacher _______ (Teacher
Name) for his sincere guidance and advice to complete my project successfully. Also, I want to thank
my principal sir who provided me with the opportunity to make this project.

I am also grateful to my parents and friends for their constant support and help throughout the
project, without their encouragement and support this project could not have been completed on
time.

Lastly, I would like to thank all the accessories and every single person who helped me to complete
this physics project successfully.

- Dev Sharma

Charging and discharging of capacitor PAGE 4


Certificate
This is to certify that Dev Sharma of class XII-B has completed his physics project titled
“Charging and discharging of capacitor in RC circuit” under the guidance of (teacher’s
name) for the academic year 2023-2024. The certified student has been dedicated
throughout his research and completed his work before the given deadline without
missing any important details from the project. It is also certified that this project is the
individual work of the student and can be submitted for evaluation.

(In the end of the page)


Teacher’s signature Student’s signature

Charging and discharging of capacitor PAGE 5


AIM
To investigate the charging and discharging phenomena in RC (resistor-capacitor)
circuit and analyze the relationship between the time constant and the
charging/discharging process.

To study and analyze the process of capacitor charging and discharging in RC (resistor-
capacitor) circuit.

Introduction
The charging and discharging of capacitors in RC circuits are fundamental processes in
electronics. This investigation explores their significance in practical applications and
their relevance in electrical systems. Understanding these processes is crucial for
circuit design, analysis, and troubleshooting. Through experiments, we examine the
factors affecting charging and discharging rates. This project provides students with
hands-on experience, promoting scientific inquiry and preparing them for careers in
physics and electrical engineering. By unraveling the complexities of capacitors in RC
circuits, we foster curiosity and highlight the practical importance of physics in our
technological world.

Charging and discharging of capacitor PAGE 6


Brief Description
The project aims to investigate the charging and discharging process of a capacitor in
an RC circuit. It explores the principles and working of each component in the circuit,
namely the capacitor and resistor, and how they interact during the charging and
discharging cycles. The project includes a detailed explanation of the process, supported by a diagram
illustrating the components' connections and their functioning.

Principle: The charging and discharging of a capacitor in an RC circuit are governed


by the principles of capacitive reactance and time constants. Capacitive reactance (Xc)
is the opposition offered by a capacitor to the flow of alternating current (AC), which
depends on the frequency (f) and capacitance (C) of the capacitor. The time constant
(τ) of an RC circuit is the product of resistance (R) and capacitance (C), denoted as τ =
RC. It represents the time required for the charge or discharge of the capacitor to reach
approximately 63.2% of its maximum voltage.

Working of Each Component:


1. Capacitor (C):
Diagram
 Description: A capacitor is an electronic component that stores electrical
energy in an electric field. It consists of two conducting plates separated by
a dielectric material. When connected to a power source, the capacitor
charges and stores electrical charge on its plates. The charging process is
characterized by an exponential increase in voltage across the capacitor,
eventually reaching the source voltage. During discharging, the capacitor
releases the stored charge, causing the voltage to decrease exponentially
until it reaches zero.

2. Resistor (R):
Diagram
 Description: A resistor is an electrical component that restricts the flow of
electric current. In an RC circuit, the resistor limits the flow of current
through the circuit, influencing the charging and discharging processes.
The resistor helps in determining the time constant (τ) of the circuit,
affecting the rate at which the capacitor charges and discharges. The
resistor plays a crucial role in controlling the time required for the capacitor
to charge or discharge to a specific voltage level.

Charging and discharging of capacitor PAGE 7


Diagram Power source (e.g., battery)
Resistor (R)
Capacitor (C)
Connecting wires
LED
Switch

Charging and discharging of capacitor PAGE 8


WORKING OF THE MODEL
In this model, let's understand the process of charging and discharging a capacitor in
an RC circuit.

Initially, K2 is in the closed position, and the capacitor is uncharged.

When K1 is closed, B1 instantly starts glowing. However, B2 glows slowly because it is


connected in parallel with the capacitor. This setup creates a potential difference across
B2, causing it to gradually illuminate.

As B1 and B2 are both glowing and the capacitor is slightly charged, we proceed to open
K2. In doing so, we observe that B1 becomes lighter and dims. This occurs because the
open circuit interrupts the flow of current, causing the charge on the capacitor to
decrease gradually.

Next, we open switch K1. Now, when we close K2 again, the entire charge stored in the
capacitor is released in a sudden discharge. This discharge causes B2 to momentarily
flash brightly and then quickly dim.

Overall, this model demonstrates the process of charging and discharging a capacitor in
an RC circuit, highlighting the behavior of the bulbs (B1 and B2) and the capacitor
under different circuit conditions.

Charging and discharging of capacitor PAGE 9

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