In a series R-C circuit, the time constant (\(\tau\)) is a measure of how quickly the circuit responds to changes in voltage. It is defined as the time required for the voltage across the capacitor to reach approximately 63.2% of its final value after a step change in voltage.
The time constant is given by the formula:
\[ \tau = R \times C \]
where:
- \( R \) is the resistance in ohms (Ω),
- \( C \) is the capacitance in farads (F).
Here’s a multiple-choice question related to this concept:
**Question:** What is the time constant of a series R-C circuit?
**A)** \( \frac{1}{R \times C} \)
**B)** \( R + C \)
**C)** \( R \times C \)
**D)** \( \frac{R}{C} \)
**Correct Answer:** C) \( R \times C \)
**Explanation:** The time constant \(\tau\) of a series R-C circuit is the product of the resistance \(R\) and the capacitance \(C\). It represents how quickly the capacitor charges or discharges through the resistor.