When the circuit of figure is in steady state, what would be the potential difference across the capacitor? Also find the discharge current at the instant S is opened.

Text Solution
Verified by ExpertsCHECK THE SOLUTION.
Potential difference across the capacitor (steady state)
In steady state (DC), the capacitor behaves as an open circuit
no current flows through it.
So the circuit reduces to two parallel branches between the left and right terminals:
Top branch


Voltage drop across left 4Ω:

Potential at top node:

Bottom branch


Voltage drop across left 4Ω:

Potential at bottom node:

Voltage across capacitor

Discharge current when switch S is opened
When S is opened, the battery is disconnected and the capacitor discharges through the resistors.
Seen from the capacitor terminals:
Left path: 
Right path: 
These two paths are in parallel:

Initial discharge current

Prepare Smarter with CGP Edu
Get practice questions, solutions, and test series in one place.
Write a Review
Share your experience with this question and solution.
Commentary
Send your comment, doubt, correction, or feedback to admin.
Similar Questions
Explore conceptually related problems