Physics A-Level
RC time constant
What RC time constant means in Physics A-Level, as defined for AQA.
Definition of RC time constant
Check what you remember
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Reference: AQA
Of the junction capacitance and load resistance determines response time, so a smaller load resistor gives a faster but smaller signal.
Topics that use RC time constant
- Photodiode (A-level only) (AQA A-Level)
Related terms
- Band gap and photon energy
- Photo-conductive mode
- Photocurrent
- Photocurrent against voltage at fixed irradiance
- Responsivity against wavelength
- Reverse bias
- Scintillator
- Spectral response
Using RC time constant in the exam
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