Why does the rate of change of potential difference between two capacitor plates decrease as the capacitor discharges?

Current, I, is related to voltage by Ohm's law, I=V/R. As the capacitor discharges, the current will decrease as less charge is "released" from the capacitor. From Ohm's law, we would expect lower currents to result in lower potential differences (assuming a constant resistance), thus as the current decreases, the potential difference also decreases, at an exponential rate.

FT

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is the derivative of distance with respect to time.


Explain the advantages of a reflecting telescope compared to a refracting telescope


How can you tell if a reaction will happen?


Explain quantitatively how an object can follow circular motion whilst on a ramp with no friction in the radial direction.