PHYSICS · Subjective · AP · Physics 2: Algebra-based · Electric Circuits · Electric Circuits
Problem
Three circuits, X, Y, and Z, are built using the same ideal battery and components of resistance R and capacitance C.
• Circuit X: a single resistor R in series with a single capacitor C.
• Circuit Y: the same resistor R in series with two identical capacitors C that are connected in series with each other.
• Circuit Z: the same resistor R in series with two identical capacitors C that are connected in parallel with each other.
Rank the circuits from fastest to slowest in reaching 63 % of their final charge (smallest to largest characteristic time). Write your ranking (e.g., X > Y > Z) and explain your reasoning in one or two sentences.