Example 1
10 kΩ and 100 µF give τ = 1.0 s.
Mendeleev
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Physics tools › RC time constant
Mendeleev · Physics
RC time constant
The time constant τ sets the characteristic charging and discharging timescale of an RC circuit.
Formula usedτ = RC
Visual cue · field / circuit
Calculate
RC time constant
What do the symbols mean?
τtime constant
Rresistance
Ccapacitance
Two worked examples
Example 2
After one time constant during charging, an ideal capacitor has reached about 63% of its final voltage.
Good to knowThe calculator gives τ only; the full exponential charging or discharging curve is a separate relation.