RC Circuit & Time Constant
An electrical circuit composed of resistors and capacitors driven by a voltage source, characterized by its exponential charging and discharging time constant τ.
Governing formula
V(t) = V₀ e^(-t / τ), τ = R C
SI unit
s (Seconds)
In depth
The time constant τ = RC defines the duration required for capacitor voltage to charge to ~63.2% or discharge to ~36.8% of its initial value.
Examples in the real world
Timing circuits in electronic pacemakers, debouncing switches, and high-pass or low-pass RC noise filters.