The time constant=RC, implications on charge time/discharge time??

[pineappletree]

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What is the difference between charge time and discharge time??
How can each one be affected and why??



Does the resistance in the time constant of t=RC refer to resistance between the capacitor plates or on the circuit?
How would each of those resistances affect the charge time/discharge time??

 

[PiBond]

What is the difference between charge time and discharge time??
How can each one be affected and why??



Does the resistance in the time constant of t=RC refer to resistance between the capacitor plates or on the circuit?
How would each of those resistances affect the charge time/discharge time??

charge time is the time needed to charge a capacitor to a certain value....(63 percent I think?) and discharge time is, well, the time to discharge a capacitor to a certain value. they each have distinct graphs

the resistance (R) pertains to the circuit resistance. if you increase the resistance in a circuit then there will be less current and thus is will take a longer time for a capacitor to discharge/charge. a large time constant would be indicative of a slow charging capacitor

 

[pineappletree]

I guess what I really wanted to know was...


Does discharge time=charge time?
And will the magnitude of a resistor affect them equally?

 

[lorenzomicron]

the time constant is the same.

for discharging the equation has the form:V= Ae^(-t/RC)
for charging the equation has the form: V= B(1-e^(t/RC))

discharge time/charge time is defined as a time equal to 5 time constants