Final answer:
The time required for the current to reach half of its final value in an RL circuit is directly proportional to L/R, following an exponential behavior. So, the best answer is c, Directly proportional to L/R.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question involves an RL circuit in which an inductance (L) and resistance (R) are connected to a source of emf.
When the switch S1 is closed, current starts flowing in the circuit, reaching half of its final steady value Io = V/R in a certain amount of time.
This process is governed by the RL circuit time constant τ = L/R, which represents the time taken for the current to reach approximately 63% of its final value.
The time required for the current to reach half of its final value in an RL circuit is given by t = (L/R)ln(2), where ln(2) is the natural logarithm of 2 and is approximately equal to 0.693.
Therefore, the time taken for the current to reach 50% of the final value is directly proportional to the ratio of the inductance to the resistance, which is L/R.
So, the best answer is c, Directly proportional to L/R.