Mini Physics
Part of Mini EducationSwitch subject
Search
Exit to H2 Physics 9478

Capacitors & RC Transients Lab

Switch between Q-V-C basics, capacitor networks, and RC transient graphs to train equivalent capacitance and exponential interpretation cleanly.

  • GCE A-Level H2 Physics 2027
Learning goals
  • Apply capacitance and capacitor-energy relationships.
  • Combine capacitors in series and parallel.
  • Analyse charging and discharging in RC circuits using the time constant.

Interactive stageLive model

Loading the interactive model…The interactive model did not load. Try again reloads this page; the explanation and worked content here are still available.

Change one variable at a time and watch the model respond.

Lab setup

Mode and key values
220 µF
12.0 V
Network and transient controls
More controls
330 µF
2.20 kΩ
1.2τ

RC checkpoint

What to notice:

Prediction target:

      Practice run

      Choose a mode and checkpoint count when you want scoring.

      Run mode
      Try Currents & Circuits Quiz

      Choose your checkpoint count for guided or challenge mode.

      Study lensUse Q = CV and capacitor-energy relationships in the correct physical context.14 min activity

      Try this

      Track what is shared and what adds: charge is shared in series, p.d. is shared in parallel, and RC curves connect both to time.

      Learn to

      • Use Q = CV and capacitor-energy relationships in the correct physical context.
      • Calculate equivalent capacitance, supply charge, and total stored energy for series and parallel networks.
      • Explain why series capacitors share charge while parallel capacitors share p.d.

      Exam transfer

      • Capacitors
      • Transient analysis

      Governing idea

      Q = CV, stored energy E = ½CV², and an RC transient changes exponentially with time constant τ = RC. Series capacitors share charge magnitude; parallel capacitors share p.d.

      Model boundary

      The capacitors begin uncharged and components are ideal with fixed R and C. Leakage, equivalent series resistance, dielectric absorption, tolerance, and supply internal resistance are omitted.

      Avoid this trap

      Charging current is not constant: it is largest initially and falls as capacitor p.d. approaches the supply p.d. In a network, do not apply the full supply p.d. to each series capacitor.

      How to explore

      Move between capacitor basics, series/parallel combinations, and RC graph reading without mixing up exponential curves or capacitor rules.

      Predict the outcome, change one variable at a time, then interpret the result. Completion records participation only and does not award mastery.

      About this activity

      Switch between Q-V-C basics, capacitor networks, and RC transient graphs to train equivalent capacitance and exponential interpretation cleanly. A text explanation and no-JavaScript route remain available.

      How this activity affects progress
      Course and syllabus information
      Course
      GCE A-Level H2 Physics
      Edition
      GCE A-Level H2 Physics 2027