Key Concepts

• • V(t) = V₀ e^(−t/RC) — exponential decay
• • Time constant τ = RC: after one τ, voltage falls to 1/e ≈ 36.8% of V₀
• • After 5τ the capacitor is considered fully discharged (<1% remaining)
• • Q(t) = CV₀ e^(−t/RC) — charge decays at the same rate as voltage
• • Larger R or larger C → longer discharge time (τ increases)