ON

R-C Circuit
Er. Sandip Prasad
Calculation of Instantaneous Charge on the Capacitor  
Carrying some Charge Before being Connected to the 
Battery :
Consider the basic RC  
circuit shown in figure, 

the capacitor carries a
charge Q before the key K    
is closed.If now the key K  

is closed, charge on 

the capacitor goes on
increasing until it attains steady state.   
The circuit is similar to simple charging RC circuit but Charge on the capacitor of circuit 1
at t = 0 charge on the capacitor is Q instead of zero. q1 = q0 (1 – e–t/W)
By Kirchhoff ’s voltage law, and charge on the capacitor of circuit 2
q t q2 = Qe–t/W
q dq CH  q dq 1
IR + = H;
C dt
=
RC ³
;
CH  q ³
=
RC
dt ; Net charge on the capacitor
q = q1 + q2 = q0 (1 – e–t/W) + Qe–t/W
Q O
CH  q t
ln = Method-III: (Short-Cut Method) When we deal with
CH  Q RC the R-C circuit in which a capacitor has initial charge,
q =CH(1 – e–t/RC) + Qe–t/RC then we can use a very simple method to solve this type
q = q0 (1 – e–t/W) + Qe–t/W of problems quickly. Let us consider a resistor and a
Here, q0 = CH and W = RC capacitor having some initial charges q0 is connected
€ If CH > Q, then the  with a battery of e.m.f H .  +0 –0
charging of capacitor  When key is closed two
takes place and situation arise, one in 
the capacitor will which capacitor is in
attain final charge charging condition and
 
CH and current  another in which it is in 

becomes finally zero. discharging condition.
€ If CH < Q, then the  To know whether the capacitor is in charging or in
discharging of discharging condition , compare the voltage across the

capacitor takes place capacitor and e.m.f of the battery.
and the capacitor q
€ If H > 0 , then the charging
will attain final charge C
 of capacitor takes place
q0 = CH and current
  and the capacitor will
becomes finally zero.
Method-II: When the key K is closed at t = 0, the circuit attain a final charge
can be treated as the combination of a charging and a q = CH and current finally
discharging circuit. becomes zero.
Sandip Physics Classes, Girish Park-1/1 Shiv Krishna Daw Lane, Kolkata-700007

PHYSICS FOR YOU | JANUARY ‘17 69

 From the graph, we can write the value of Method-II: When the key K is closed at t = 0, the circuit
instantaneous value of charge i.e the value of charge can be treated as the combination of a charging and a
on the capacitor at time t, discharging circuit.
q = initial charge + (amplitude of the curve )(1 – e–t/W) 2 +3 –3
Where, amplitude of the curve
Q = Final charge – initial charge = CH – q0
and W= Req C
? charge on the capacitor at time t,  
q = q0 + (CH – q0) (1 – e–t/W) 2  2 +3 –3
q
€ If H < 0 , then the discharging 
C 
of capacitor takes place and the
1 2
capacitor will attain a final charge
Here, time constant of the given R-C circuit is
q = CH and current finally W = ReqC = 2RC
becomes zero. Charge on the capacitor of the circuit 1
From the graph, we can write the value of q1 = CV (1 – e–t/2RC )
instantaneous value of charge i.e. the value of and charge on the capacitor of the circuit 2
charge on the capacitor at time t, q2 = 3CV e–t/2RC)
q = Final charge + (amplitude of the curve) e–t/W ? Net charge on the capacitor
Where, amplitude of the curve q = q1 + q2 = CV (1 – e–t/2RC) + 3CV e–t/2RC
Q = initial charge – Final charge = q0 – CH and W= ReqC Ÿ q = CV + 2CV e–t/2RC
? charge on the capacitor at time t,
Method-III: The capacitor is charged to 3 CV initially i.e.,
q = q0 + (q0 – CH) e–t/W
at t=0 charge on the capacitor is +3CV . Now battery
Example-1: In the circuit  of emf V cannot pull out electrons from positive plate
shown capacitor is initially of capacitor as potential difference across the capacitor
connected to a 3 V cell. At    is 3V. Instead of electrons move from negative plate of
t =0 switch is thrown to 
capacitor towards positive plate through battery.
B. Find the charge on the   Step:I Firstly, check
capacitor at time t. 2 +3 –3
the R-C circuit
Soln.: The capacitor is charged to 3CV initially i.e. ,at whether it is in
t=0 charge on the capacitor is +3CV . Now battery of charging condition
emf V cannot pull out electrons from positive plate of or discharging 
capacitor as potential difference across the capacitor is condition.
3 V . Instead of electrons move from negative plate of Initial voltage across the capacitor i.e when switch is
capacitor towards positive plate through battery.
3CV
By Kirchhoff ’s laws, +3 –3  just closed i.e at t = 0, is VC = = 3V
C
q And the voltage applied by the battery is V.
? V  + 2iR = 0; 
electrons motion
C Here initial voltage across capacitor i.e. voltage across
q 
V  = 2iR  
capacitor at t = 0(when switch S is just closed) is greater
C than that of the voltage of the cell, hence after t > 0
dq
(i =  , here charge on the plate decreases with time) capacitor gets discharged. So, in the given R-C circuit
dt is in discharging condition.
q § dq · dq
=
1 Step:II Next draw a graph of 
V  = 2 ¨  R or, dt 
C © dt ¹̧ V  q / C 2R instantaneous charge versus 

Integrating both side ; time of the above circuit.

q t Step:III From graph obtained
dq 1
³ ³
or, = dt Ÿ q = CV + 2 CV e–t/2RC from step II , we can write the 
V  q /C 2R equation of the instantaneous 
3CV 0 
charge.

70 PHYSICS FOR YOU | JANUARY ‘17

Hence, the charge on the capacitor at time t is , Simultaneous Charging and Discharging of Capacitors
q = Final charge + (amplitude of the curve ) e–t/W in a R - C circuit without battery
Here, initial charge on the capacitor q0 = 3CV Consider a circuit in which 
Amplitude of the curve a resistor of resistance R is
 + 2
= initial charge - Final charge connected in series with two 1 – 1 
= 3CV – CV = 2CV capacitors of capacitance C1
Again, time constant , W = ReqC = 2RC and C2.
Hence, q =CV + 2CV e–t/2RC Initially the capacitor C1 is charged to potential V1 and
Example 2 : A capacitor   
then at t = 0, the switch S is closed as shown. When
hav i ng i n it i a l charge switch S is closed at t = 0, the circuit is completed and

CH discharging of C1 and charging of C2 takes place. The
q0 = is connected to a voltage across capacitor C1 does not rise instantaneously
2 
cell of e.m.f H through a but builds up exponentially and not linearly. Charging
 current i is maximum at the start i.e. when capacitor
resistor R as shown in the
figure. Find the charge on C1 has voltage V1 and charge C1V1 and capacitor C2
the capacitor at time t . is uncharged, then it decreases exponentially and
finally ceases when potential difference across both
Soln.: Step:I Firstly, check    the capacitors becomes equal. Hence as charge on
the R-C circuit whether it
 capacitor C1 decreases and on capacitor C2 increases,
is in charging condition
current i in the circuit decreases. In other words, as
or discharging condition.
 the time passes, potential difference across capacitor
Initial voltage across the
 C1 decreases and potential difference across capacitor
capacitor i.e when switch
is just closed i.e at t=0, is C2 increases. Hence, whenever a R-C circuit having a
charged capacitor connected with uncharged capacitor
q CH H
VC = 0 = /C = without a dc source, goes from initial state to final state
C 2 2 (steady state condition), it passes through a transient
And the voltage applied by the battery is V = H state which is of short duration. In fact transient state
Here initial voltage across capacitor i.e. voltage across lies in between initial state and final state(steady state
capacitor at t = 0(when switch S is just closed) is less condition).
than that of the voltage of the cell, hence after t >0 Initial State: When switch    
capacitor gets charged. So, in the given R-C circuit is
S is closed at t = 0, R-C 
in charging condition.
circuit is in its initial state. 
Step:II Next draw a graph 
In this state, current in the 
of instantaneous charge 
circuit i is maximum  

versus time of the circuit.
Step:III From graph because there is no potential difference across capacitor
obtained from step II , C2 to oppose the applied voltage by capacitor C1

we can write the equation  i.e capacitor C2 behaves like being short circuited and
 
of the instantaneous charge. capacitor C1 behaves as a dc source having voltage V1.
Hence, the charge on the capacitor at time t is , If you wish to find initial current, short the terminals
q = initial charge + (amplitude of the curve ) × (1 – e–t/W) of the capacitor C2 and replace the capacitor C1 with
CH a battery having voltage V1. Hence at t = 0 the circuit
Here, initial charge on the capacitor q0 = can be redraw as shown in the figure.
2
V
Amplitude of the curve Q = Final charge – initial charge At this instant i.e at t = 0, i = 1
CH CH R
= CH  = Transient state: But as time 
2 2
passes, i decreases gradually –
Again , time constant , W = ReqC = RC + 0
  2 +
so does instantaneous voltage 1 – 0–  –
CH CH
Hence, q = + (1  e t /RC ) across capacitor C 1 also 
2 2 

PHYSICS FOR YOU | JANUARY ‘17 71

decreases gradually, but instantaneous voltage cross as shown. When switch S is closed at t = 0, the circuit
capacitor C2 increases gradually till it reaches at its is completed and discharging of C1 and charging of
maximum value or steady state value i.e. when potential C2 take place.
difference across both the capacitors becomes equal. Step-I : First of all we need to find time constant (W)
Final state (Steady state): 
of the given R-C circuit.


As charging continues, C1C2
charging current i decreases  W =Req Ceq = R

C1 + C2
gradually and it becomes 
zero at final state or steady Step-II: Find the steady  = 0
state, hence at condition, state charge Q on the  
+ 1 + 1
the circuit appears as an open circuit (i = 0). At this uncharged capacitor. 1 –  –  2
1 2
state capacitor C1 gets completely charged and the value Let us consider in steady 
of charge becomes maximum i.e. when switch is closed state capacitor C1 and
charge flows from capacitor C1 to capacitor C2 till both C2 has charge q1 and q2 respectively as shown in the
acquire the same potential. In steady state the circuit figure. Also we know that in steady state both the capacitor
can be redrawn as shown in the figure. has same potential difference, let V in this case.
Calculation of charge and current in the R-C circuit in Charge on the capacitor C1 is, q1 = C1V
transient state Charge on the capacitor C2 is, q2 = C2V
 q C
We need to find ? 1= 1
the charge on + 0 –  + q2 C2
1 2
the capacitor C1 –  – – C1 C1
as a function of 0 Hence, q1 = (q + q ) = q , where
 C1 + C2 1 2 C1 + C2 0
time. 
Initial charge on C1 is q0 = C1 V1 q0 = C1V1 is the initial charge on capacitor C1.
Let at any time t charge on C2 is, then charge of C1 at C2 C2
Similarly, q2 = q0 = C1V1 = Q
C1 + C2 1 + C2
this instant is q0 – q. C
Hence current through the circuit at this time is,
where q0 = C1V1 is the initial charge on capacitor C1.
dq
i= Step-III: Putting the values of W and Q in equation
dt
Applying KVL for circuit, q = Q (1 – e–t/W) . We can get the value of charge on the
capacitor which is under charging condition, at time t.
q0  q q q q(C1 + C2 ) dq
= iR + or 0  = R By differentiating the above equation w.r.t. time we can
C1 C2 C1 C1C2 dt find current through the capacitor at time t. Then by
q t using Kirchhoff ’s laws, calculate currents in different
dq dt
or ³ C q  q(C =³ branches of the circuit.
0 2 1 + C2 ) 0
RC1C2
Also, charge on capacitor C1 having some initial charge
C2q0 t / RCeq CC q0, as a function of time t is given by, qc = q0 – q
or q = (1  e ) where Ceq = 1 2
(C1 + C2 ) C1 + C2 where, initial charge on capacitor C1 is q0 = C1V1 and
C1C2V1 t / RCeq
q is the value of charge on the capacitor which is under
or q = (1  e ) where q0 = C1V1 charging condition, at time t.
(C1 + C2 )
Hence the charge on the capacitor at time t is given by
t / RC
or q = CeqV1(1  e eq
) following equation,
Again, charge on capacitor C1 as a function of time t, C1C2V1 t / RCeq
As, q = Q(1 – e–t/W) ? q = (1  e )
qc = q0 – q or qc = C1V1 – CeqV1(1 – et/RCeq) (C1 + C2 )
We can also find the instantaneous value of charge in Again, charge on capacitor C1 as a function of time t,
this case by another method.
t / RCeq
Method-II: Initially the capacitor C 1 is charged to q = q0 – q or qc = C1V1  CeqV1(1  e )
potential V1 and then at t = 0, the switch S is closed ””

72 PHYSICS FOR YOU | JANUARY ‘17

  Class XII

T his specially designed column enables students to self analyse their

extent of understanding of specified chapters. Give yourself four
marks for correct answer and deduct one mark for wrong answer.
Self check table given at the end will help you to check your
readiness.
Dual Nature of Radiation and Matter
Atoms and Nuclei
Total Marks : 120 Time Taken : 60 min

NEET / AIIMS / PMTs 6. The ratio of the longest and shortest wavelengths in
Only One Option Correct Type Brackett series of hydrogen spectra is
1. Light described at a place by the equation 25 17 9 4
(a) (b) (c) (d)
E = (100 V m–1) [sin(5 × 1015 s–1)t + sin (8 × 1015 s–1)t] 9 6 5 3
falls on a metal surface having work function 2.0 eV. 7. According to Einstein’s photoelectric equation, the
The maximum kinetic energy of the photoelectrons is graph between the kinetic energy of photoelectrons
(a) 5.27 eV (b) 3.27 eV (c) 2.00 eV (d) 4.00 eV ejected and the frequency of incident radiation is
2. An electron of mass m, when accelerated through a
potential difference V, has de Broglie wavelength O. (a) (b)
The de Broglie wavelength associated with a proton
of mass M accelerated through the same potential
difference, will be
M m M m
(a) O (b) O (c) O (d) O (c) (d)
m M m M
92U o
3. In a fission reaction, 236 117
X + 117Y + n + n,
the binding energy per nucleon of X and Y is 8.5 MeV 8. The radius of the hydrogen atom in its ground
whereas that of 236 state is a0. The radius of a muonic hydrogen atom
92U is 7.6 MeV. The total energy
liberated will be about in which the electron is replaced by an identically
(a) 200 keV (b) 2 MeV charged muon with mass 207 times that of an
(c) 200 MeV (d) 2000 MeV electron, is aP equal to
a a0
4. A radioactive nucleus emits 3D-particles and (a) 207a0 (b) 0 (c) (d) a0 207
207 207
5E-particles. The ratio of number of neutrons to
that of protons will be 9. A proton moving with u m s–1 strikes a stationary
A  Z  12 AZ nucleus of mass A. The ratio of final to initial kinetic
(a) (b) energy of proton is
Z 6 Z 1
(1  A)2 A2
A  Z  11 A  Z  11 (a) (b)
(c) (d) (1 + A)2 ( A  1)2
Z 6 Z 1
5. Let nr and nb be respectively the number of photons (1  A) (1  u )
2 2
A2 (1 + u2 )
(c) (d)
emitted by a red bulb and a blue bulb of equal power (1 + A)2 (1 + u) ( A + 1)2 (1  u2 )
in a given time. Then, 10. A nuclear reactor delivers a power of 10 W. Find fuel
(a) nr = nb (b) nr < nb consumed by the reactor per hour, if its efficiency is
(c) nr > nb (d) None of these 20%. (Given, c = 3 × 108 m s–1)

PHYSICS FOR YOU | JANUARY ‘17 73