Electrical & Computer
RC / RL Transient Lab
Every first-order circuit obeys one law: x(t) = x∞ + (x₀ − x∞)·e^(−t/τ), with τ = R·C for an RC circuit or L/R for an RL one. Switch between capacitor (RC) and inductor (RL), and between charging and discharging, then tune R, C, L and the source — the response is computed in closed form and plotted in time-constant units, so the curve shape stays fixed while τ and the live voltage/current readouts scale with your values. One τ gets you 63% of the way; five τ is essentially settled. It makes the abstract exponential something you can see and steer.
1.00 ms
Time constant τ
0.00 τ
At sweep
0 V
Capacitor voltage vC
0 A
Loop current
1.00 ms
τ
5.00 V
Final vC
Every first-order circuit follows x(t) = x∞ + (x₀ − x∞)·e^(−t/τ), with τ = RC or L/R. One time constant reaches 63% of the way (37% left on decay); 5τ is essentially settled. The curve shape never changes — only τ scales it in time.
How to use this simulation
Every first-order circuit obeys one law: x(t) = x∞ + (x₀ − x∞)·e^(−t/τ), with τ = R·C for an RC circuit or L/R for an RL one. Switch between capacitor (RC) and inductor (RL), and between charging and discharging, then tune R, C, L and the source — the response is computed in closed form and plotted in time-constant units, so the curve shape stays fixed while τ and the live voltage/current readouts scale with your values. One τ gets you 63% of the way; five τ is essentially settled. It makes the abstract exponential something you can see and steer.
Everything runs in your browser — no sign-up, no download. Change a value and the result updates instantly, so you can build a feel for how each input shapes the outcome. It pairs with Crameleon's practice exams and step sheets when you want to go from intuition to working the problems.