Physics A-Level
Exponential charging and discharging
What Exponential charging and discharging means in Physics A-Level, as defined for OCR.
Definition of Exponential charging and discharging
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Exponential charging and discharging in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: OCR
Charging current is largest at the start and falls exponentially as the capacitor voltage rises, while discharging reverses the process so charge, current and voltage all decay exponentially.
Topics that use Exponential charging and discharging
- Charging and discharging capacitors (OCR A-Level)
Related terms
- Capacitor charging and discharging
- Circuit setup for capacitor investigations
- Current, charge and voltage graphs
- Differential equation for discharging a capacitor
- Discharging circuit
- Exponential decay and growth
- Exponential decay graph
- Graphical determination of rate of change and time constant
Using Exponential charging and discharging 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