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AP Physics C: E&M
11.8 Resistor Capacitor (RC) Circuits
11.5 Compound Direct Current Circuits
IntermediateMCQMathematicalProportional Analysis24.8k
Two identical capacitors, each of capacitance \(C\), are individually charged so that the potential difference across each capacitor is \(V_0\). In Scenario 1, the two capacitors are connected in series with a resistor of resistance \(R\) to form a discharging circuit. In Scenario 2, the same two charged capacitors are connected in parallel with the same resistor \(R\). Let \(\tau_1\) and \(\tau_2\) be the circuit time constants, and let \(I_1\) and \(I_2\) be the initial discharging currents through the resistor immediately after the circuit is closed in Scenario 1 and Scenario 2, respectively. Which of the following correctly pairs the ratio \(\dfrac{\tau_2}{\tau_1}\) of the circuit time constants and the ratio \(\dfrac{I_2}{I_1}\) of the initial discharging currents?

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