Final answer:
The RC time constant in an ECG monitor is the product of resistance (R) and capacitance (C) in the circuit, which determines the rate at which the voltage changes. A smaller RC time constant allows for measuring variations in voltage over small time intervals. In practice, limiting capacitance to a specific value may be challenging due to the physical dimensions of the components, but circuit designers can use techniques to reduce capacitance.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the context of an ECG monitor, the RC time constant refers to the product of the resistance (R) and the capacitance (C) in the circuit. It determines the rate at which the voltage across the circuit changes in response to an input signal. A smaller RC time constant allows for faster variations in voltage to be detected by the monitor. To measure variations in voltage over small time intervals, the RC time constant should be less than 1.00 × 10^2 μs.
(a) If the resistance of the circuit is 1.00 kΩ, we can use the formula RC < 1.00 × 10^2 μs to find the maximum capacitance. Rearranging the formula, we have C < (1.00 × 10^2 μs) / R. Substituting the given resistance value, C < (1.00 × 10^2 μs) / 1.00 kΩ. Simplifying, C < 1.00 × 10^-5 F or 10 μF.
(b) It may be difficult in practice to limit the capacitance to less than the value found in (a) since the capacitance is determined by the physical dimensions of the electrodes and other components in the ECG monitor. However, circuit designers can use techniques such as shielding and minimizing cable lengths to reduce capacitance.