RC Circuit

This interactive simulator explores RC Circuit in Electricity & Magnetism. Charging and discharging capacitor with exponential curves. Use the controls to change the scenario; watch the visualization and any graphs or readouts to connect the model with lectures, labs, and homework.

Who it's for: For learners comfortable with heavier math or second-level detail. Typical context: Electricity & Magnetism.

Key terms

  • circuit
  • rc circuit
  • electricity
  • magnetism

Live graphs

How it works

A resistor and capacitor in series with a battery: charging follows V_C = V(1 − e^(−t/τ)), discharging V_C = V_0 e^(−t/τ), with τ = RC. Current obeys the same exponential: during charge I = (V − V_C)/R, during discharge I = V_C/R through the resistor.

Key equations

τ = RC,   dV_C/dt = (V − V_C)/(RC)   (charging)
dV_C/dt = −V_C/(RC)   (discharging through R)