Question

The RC time constant in heart defibrillation is crucial to limiting the time the current flows. If the capacitance in the defibrillation unit is fixed, how would you manipulate resistance in the circuit to adjust the RC constant τ? Would an adjustment of the applied voltage also be needed to ensure that the current delivered has an appropriate value?

a) Increase resistance; Adjusting voltage is not necessary.

b) Decrease resistance; Adjusting voltage is necessary.

c) Increase resistance; Adjusting voltage is necessary.

d) Decrease resistance; Adjusting voltage is not necessary.

Answer 1

To adjust the RC time constant in a heart defibrillation circuit, you would increase the resistance and adjust the applied voltage to ensure the appropriate current value.

Step-by-step explanation:

To manipulate the RC time constant in a heart defibrillation circuit, you would have to adjust the resistance. By increasing the resistance, you can increase the time constant and limit the time the current flows. Since the capacitance is fixed, an adjustment of the applied voltage is also necessary to ensure that the current delivered has an appropriate value. Adjusting the voltage allows you to control the magnitude of the current.