In an RC circuit using two capacitors in series with two resistors, which of the following combinations would give the greatest time constant?
A) both capacitors in parallel placed in series with both resistors in parallel
B) both capacitors in series placed in series with both resistors in series
C) both capacitors in series placed in series with both resistors in parallel
D) both capacitors in parallel placed in series with both resistors in series

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The time constant τ for an RC circuit is given by τ = R_eq * C_eq. For capacitors in parallel, C_eq is maximized, and for resistors in series, R_eq is maximized. Thus, placing both capacitors in parallel and both resistors in series results in the greatest time constant.

In an RC Circuit Using Two Capacitors in Series with Two