Physics A-Level
Time constant and component choice
What Time constant and component choice means in Physics A-Level, as defined for OCR.
Definition of Time constant and component choice
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Time constant and component choice in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: OCR
A resistor and capacitor are chosen so that τ = RC is long enough to observe.
Topics that use Time constant and component choice
- 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 charging and discharging
- Exponential decay and growth
- Exponential decay graph
Using Time constant and component choice 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