An RC circuit includes a basic switch, two voltmeters and an ammeter. Initially the capacitor is either partially or fully charged, and the switch is open. Data collection begins, and then the switch is moved to position "b" allowing the capacitor to begin discharging. Part 1: Which graph best represents the magnitude of the voltage measured across the capacitor by the voltmeter labeled Vc? O O O t O Part (a) Which graph best represents the charge on the positive plate of the capacitor as a function of time? O O O Vo O Part 2: Which graph best represents the magnitude of the voltage measured across the resistor by the voltmeter labeled '? O R i Part (b) Which graph best represents the current measured with the ammeter as a function of time? O O
An RC circuit includes a basic switch, two voltmeters and an ammeter. Initially the capacitor is either partially or fully charged, and the switch is open. Data collection begins, and then the switch is moved to position "b" allowing the capacitor to begin discharging. Part 1: Which graph best represents the magnitude of the voltage measured across the capacitor by the voltmeter labeled Vc? O O O t O Part (a) Which graph best represents the charge on the positive plate of the capacitor as a function of time? O O O Vo O Part 2: Which graph best represents the magnitude of the voltage measured across the resistor by the voltmeter labeled '? O R i Part (b) Which graph best represents the current measured with the ammeter as a function of time? O O
Transcribed Image Text:## Transcription and Explanation of an RC Circuit Discharge Experiment
### RC Circuit Overview
The diagram represents a simple RC (resistor-capacitor) circuit containing:
- A basic switch with two positions: "a" (open circuit) and "b" (closed circuit allowing discharge).
- Two voltmeters: one to measure voltage across the resistor (\(V_R\)) and one across the capacitor (\(V_C\)).
- An ammeter to measure current (\(I\)).
Initially, the circuit is set so that the capacitor is partially or fully charged. Data collection begins when the switch is moved to position "b," allowing the capacitor to discharge through the resistor.
### Part 1: Capacitor Voltage
#### Question
Which graph best represents the magnitude of the voltage measured across the capacitor by the voltmeter labeled \(V_C\)?
- **Graphs:**
1. Exponentially decreasing curve starting at maximum value and approaching zero.
2. A curve that is low initially, increases slightly, and then plateaus.
3. Initially high, then rapidly drops to zero.
4. A curve that starts at zero and increases.
### Part (a): Capacitor Charge
#### Question
Which graph best represents the charge on the positive plate of the capacitor as a function of time?
- **Graphs:**
1. Exponentially decreasing curve similar to an exponential decay, starting at a high value and approaching zero.
2. Starts low, increases, and then flattens.
3. Begins high and rapidly decreases.
4. Starts at zero and increases.
### Part 2: Resistor Voltage
#### Question
Which graph best represents the magnitude of the voltage measured across the resistor by the voltmeter labeled \(V_R\)?
- **Graphs:**
1. Exponentially decreasing, mirroring the capacitor's discharge pattern.
2. Starts low, increases slightly, and plateaus.
3. Starts high and quickly decreases.
4. A curve starting from zero and rising.
### Part (b): Current Measurement
#### Question
Which graph best represents the current measured with the ammeter as a function of time?
- **Graphs:**
1. Similar to the exponential decay graphs, decreasing steadily towards zero.
2. Begins low, increases, and settles.
3. Starts high, decreases rapidly.
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