Peer reviewed
Direct linkERIC Number: EJ1156496
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2017-Nov
Pages: 4
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0031-9120
EISSN: N/A
The Most Energy Efficient Way to Charge the Capacitor in an RC Circuit
Wang, Dake
Physics Education, v52 n6 Article 065019 Nov 2017
The voltage waveform that minimizes the energy loss in the resistance when charging the capacitor in a resistor-capacitor circuit is investigated using the calculus of variation. A linear voltage ramp gives the best efficiency, which means a constant current source should be used for charging. Comparison between constant current source and battery-powered system is made to illustrate the energy advantage of the former.
Descriptors: Science Instruction, Energy, Calculus, Equations (Mathematics), Laboratory Equipment, Science Laboratories, College Science, Undergraduate Study, Physics
Institute of Physics Publishing. The Public Ledger Building Suite 929, 150 South Independence Mall West, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 215-627-0880; Fax: 215-627-0879; e-mail: info@ioppubusa.com; Web site: http://journals.iop.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
