1. Capacitors C1 and C2 are connected in an RC circuit as shown
Capacitors C1 and C2 are connected in an RC circuit as shown. What is the time constant of the circuit??
 = RC = RCeq
 = R(C1 + C2)
What would you do if the circuit had two capacitors in series? Two resistors in series? Two resistors in parallel?

2. VC = Q/C always works, if you know Q and C
Capacitors C1 and C2 are connected in an RC circuit as shown. What is the time constant of the circuit??
Suggestions
use Q=CVC to calculate V across a capacitor
use VR=IR to calculate V across a resistor or I through a resistor
or use V0-Vc to calculate V across R C
VC = Q/C always works, if you know Q and C

3. VR = IR applies to resistor only*
Capacitors C1 and C2 are connected in an RC circuit as shown. What is the time constant of the circuit??
Suggestions
use Q=CVC to calculate V across a capacitor
use VR=IR to calculate V across a resistor or I through a resistor
or use V0-Vc to calculate V across R C
VR = IR applies to resistor only*
but you can use VC = V0 – IR to get VC
*but if R and C are in series, IR = IC

4. if you don’t know I but do know Q & C, or VC
Capacitors C1 and C2 are connected in an RC circuit as shown. What is the time constant of the circuit??
Suggestions
use Q=CVC to calculate V across a capacitor
use VR=IR to calculate V across a resistor or I through a resistor
or use V0-Vc to calculate V across R C
if you don’t know I but do know Q & C, or VC
you can use VR = V0 – VC to get VR