A capacitor with an initial potential difference of 116 V is discharged through a resistor when a switch between them is closed at t = 0 s. At t = 10.0 s, the potential difference across the capacitor is 1.54 V. (a) What is the time constant of the circuit? (b) What is the potential difference across the capacitor at t = 16.1 s?

(a). The time constant of the circuit is 2.10

(b). The potential difference across the capacitor at t=17.0 s is 0.0543 V.

Explanation:

Given that,

Initial potential difference = 116 V

Potential difference across the capacitor = 1.54 V

(a). We need to calculate the time constant of the circuit

Using formula of potential difference

Put the value into the formula

On taking ln

(b). We need to calculate the potential difference across the capacitor at t=16.1 s

Using formula again

Hence, (a). The time constant of the circuit is 2.10

(b). The potential difference across the capacitor at t=17.0 s is 0.0543 V.