Enter the initial voltage, time, resistance, and capacitance into the calculator. The calculator will display the total voltage discharged and remaining.

Capacitor Discharge Formula

The following formula is used to calculate the discharge of voltage across a capacitor.

Vc = Vi * e^ -t/(R*C)

  • Where Vc is the voltage discharged
  • Vi is the initial voltage
  • t is the total time
  • R is the total resistance of the circuit
  • C is the total capacitance of the circuit

Capacitor Discharge Definition

Capacitor discharge is the process by which the electrical energy stored in a capacitor is released in a controlled manner.

When a capacitor is charged, it accumulates electric charge on its plates, creating an electric field between them. This stored energy can be discharged when the circuit is completed, allowing the capacitor to release its charge.

Capacitor discharge is important because it enables various essential functions in electrical and electronic systems. One significant application is power electronics, where capacitors are frequently used to store and release energy efficiently.

For example, in switched-mode power supplies, capacitors play a crucial role in converting and regulating electrical energy. They store energy during the charging phase and then discharge it to provide a steady output voltage during the discharging phase.

Capacitor Discharge Example

How to calculator capacitor discharge

  1. First, determine the initial voltage

    Either measure or calculator the initial voltage entering the capacitor.

  2. Next, determine the total resistance

    Measure the total resistance of the capacitor.

  3. Next, determine the total capacitance

    Measure the total capacitance of the capacitor.

  4. Finally, calculate the voltage discharge

    Using the information from steps 1-3 and the equation above, calculate the total discharged voltage.

FAQ

What is a voltage discharge?

A voltage discharge is a loss of voltage across a circuit due to the capacitance of components or specifically capacitors.

capacitor discharge calculator
capacitor discharge formula