# Problem: Suppose that R = 5 kΩ and C = 5μFWhat is the time constant for the discharge of the capacitors in? Express your answer to two significant figures and include approximate units.

###### FREE Expert Solution

Time constant for a RC circuit:

$\overline{){\mathbf{T}}{\mathbf{=}}{\mathbit{R}}{\mathbit{C}}}$

Equivalent resistance for resistors in parallel:

$\overline{)\frac{\mathbf{1}}{{\mathbf{R}}_{\mathbf{e}\mathbf{q}}}{\mathbf{=}}\frac{\mathbf{1}}{{\mathbf{R}}_{\mathbf{1}}}{\mathbf{+}}\frac{\mathbf{1}}{{\mathbf{R}}_{\mathbf{2}}}}$

Equivalent capacitance for capacitors in series:

$\overline{)\frac{\mathbf{1}}{{\mathbf{C}}_{\mathbf{eq}}}{\mathbf{=}}\frac{\mathbf{1}}{{\mathbf{C}}_{\mathbf{1}}}{\mathbf{+}}\frac{\mathbf{1}}{{\mathbf{C}}_{\mathbf{2}}}}$

Req = (1/R1 + 1/R2)-1 = (1/5 + 1/5)-1 = 2.5 kΩ(1000Ω/1kΩ) = 2500 Ω

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###### Problem Details

Suppose that R = 5 kΩ and C = 5μF

What is the time constant for the discharge of the capacitors in? Express your answer to two significant figures and include approximate units.