time constant

[/taɪm ˈkɒnstənt/]
nounpl: time constants
constante de tempo
1. In physics and engineering, a parameter that characterizes the response time of a system to changes in input; the time required for a system to reach approximately 63.2% (1-1/e) of its final value after a step change
The RC circuit has a time constant of 2 seconds, meaning the capacitor will charge to about 63% of the final voltage in that period.
O circuito RC possui uma constante de tempo de 2 segundos, o que significa que o capacitor carregará aproximadamente 63% da tensão final nesse período.
2. The characteristic duration over which a first-order linear system responds to stimuli
Engineers must calculate the time constant to predict how quickly a thermal system will stabilize.
Os engenheiros devem calcular a constante de tempo para prever a rapidez com que um sistema térmico se estabilizará.
This is a specialized technical term primarily used in electrical engineering, control systems, and physics. It is universally understood in academic and professional engineering contexts in both Brazil and the United States. The concept is fundamental to understanding system dynamics and is taught in undergraduate engineering curricula worldwide.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
tauresponse timetime lag

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
constante de tempo
Standard technical term used in engineering and physics textbooks
Portugal
constante de tempo
Same term used in Portuguese technical literature
General Technical English
tau (τ)
Often represented by the Greek letter tau in mathematical formulations

Related Words

RC circuitexponential decayimpulse responsetransfer functiontransient responsesteady state
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