Why does the rate of change of potential difference between two capacitor plates decrease as the capacitor discharges?

Current, I, is related to voltage by Ohm's law, I=V/R. As the capacitor discharges, the current will decrease as less charge is "released" from the capacitor. From Ohm's law, we would expect lower currents to result in lower potential differences (assuming a constant resistance), thus as the current decreases, the potential difference also decreases, at an exponential rate.

FT
Answered by Francis T. Physics tutor

9456 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

In the Photoelectric Effect, what is mean by 'threshold frequency' and how does the magnitude a photons frequency effect the electron it is absorbed by?


A rocket travels with constant velocity in a straight line in deep space. A ball is thrown from the back to the front (ie from the thrusters to the nose). Describe the path of the ball. Describe the path if the rocket were accelerating along this line.


Do the SUVAT equations work for acceleration that changes with time?


A water jet starts at a point X and reaches its maximum height at a point Y. Air resistance has a negligible effect on the motion of the water jet. (i) State the direction of the force acting on the jet at Y. (1 mark)


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning