26.

81: a) If the given capacitor was fully charged for the given emf, Qmax = CV =
(3.4 ×10 −6 F)(180 V ) = 6.12 ×10 −4 C. Since it has more charge than this after it
was connected, this tells us the capacitor is discharging and so the current must be
flowing toward the negative plate. The capacitor started with more charge than was
“allowed” for the given emf. Let
Q (t = 0) = Q0 and Q (t = ∞) = Q f . For all t , Q (t ) = (Q0 − Q f )e −t RC
+Qf
−4
We are given Q at some time t = T ; Q (t = T ) = 8.15 ×10 C and from
( Q0 − Q f )
ab o v eQ f = 6.12× 1 0− 4 C. T h ecu rren It (t ) = d Q( t )
dt = RC e − t R C. A t t = T , Q(T ) =
− ( Q0 − Q f ) − ( Q (T ) − Q f )
(Q0 − Q f )e − T R C + Q f . So the currentat t = T is I (T ) = RC (− e T RC
)= RC .
−8.15 × 10 −4 C + 6.12 × 10 −4 C
Thus I (T ) = ( 7.25 × 103 Ω )( 3.40 × 10 − 6 F )
= −8.24 × 10 −3 A (toward the negative plate).
b) As time goes on, the capacitor will discharge to 6.12 ×10 −4 C as calculated
above.