Final answer:
The time constant (τ) of an RC circuit can be calculated using the formula τ = RC, where R is the resistance and C is the capacitance. For a resistor of 1,000 ohms and a capacitor of 12 x 10⁻⁶ farads, the time constant is 12 milliseconds.
Step-by-step explanation:
The subject of this question is physics, where we are determining the time constant for an RC circuit. When a battery is connected to a resistor and an uncharged capacitor, the time constant, represented by the Greek letter tau (τ), can be found using the formula τ = RC. Here, the resistance R equals 1,000 ohms (Ω) and the capacitance C equals 12 x 10⁻⁶ farads (F), hence the time constant τ is R multiplied by C.
Specifically, to calculate the time constant in this scenario, you would carry out the following calculation:
- τ = RC
- τ = (1,000 Ω) × (12 x 10⁻⁶ F)
- τ = 12 x 10⁻³ seconds
Therefore, the time constant for this RC circuit is 12 milliseconds (ms).