RC Circuit Voltage Analysis · PhysicsBowl 2022 #38
Physics · electromagnetism
Problem
In the circuit shown below, the voltage source, switch, capacitor and connecting wires have no resistance. Let ΔV_R and ΔV_C represent the potential differences across the resistor and the capacitor, respectively. The capacitor is initially uncharged. Which of the following choices correctly compares these potential differences immediately after the switch is closed and after the circuit has reached steady state. [Figure: RC circuit with voltage source, switch, resistor, and capacitor]| Switch Closed | Steady State | |
|---|---|---|
| a. | ΔV_R = ΔV_C | ΔV_R = ΔV_C |
| b. | ΔV_R > ΔV_C | ΔV_R = ΔV_C |
| c. | ΔV_R = ΔV_C | ΔV_R < ΔV_C |
| d. | ΔV_R > ΔV_C | ΔV_R < ΔV_C |
| e. | ΔV_R < ΔV_C | ΔV_R > ΔV_C |