Extracting the RC decay constant from the gradient of a ln V versus t plot is preferred over recording the time to reach 1/e of the initial voltage. What justifies this methodological choice when analysing experimental discharge data?

D. A linear gradient averages out random fluctuations across all recorded data points

Single-point readings tie the parameter estimate to the noise of one moment, whereas linear regression distributes random errors across the full series. Logarithmic transformations do not remove systematic perturbations, nor do standard resistors exhibit non-linear voltage responses.