Physics A-Level
Charging time constant
What Charging time constant means in Physics A-Level, as defined for AQA.
Definition of Charging time constant
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Charging time constant in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: AQA
The time to reach 1 − 1/e of the final value, about 63%.
Topics that use Charging time constant
- Capacitor charge and discharge (A-level only) (AQA A-Level)
Related terms
- Area under a graph
- Capacitor charging and discharging
- Determining the time constant from a graph
- Effect of larger R or C
- Exponential decay
- Exponential fall during discharge
- Gradient
- Graphical analysis of electrical circuits
Using Charging time constant in the exam
Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.
Practise Physics questions
Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.
Start free
All Physics A-Level termsA week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge