Capacitances and Potential Difference.

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The discussion revolves around calculating the potential difference across two capacitors, C1 and C2, connected in a circuit with batteries E1 and E2. Using Kirchhoff's loop equation, the relationship between the potential differences is established as E1 - V2 - E2 + V1 = 0, leading to E1 - E2 = V2 - V1. A key point raised is that charge cannot flow between the capacitors, implying that the charges on C1 and C2 must be equal. The original poster expresses confusion due to fatigue but realizes their mistake in understanding the charge equality. The thread highlights the importance of clarity in applying circuit laws when analyzing capacitive circuits.
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Homework Statement


I am given a circuit wherein there is a capacitor C1 followed by a battery of PD E1 followed by a capacitor C2 followed by a battery of PD E2 connected back to C1. Find PD across C1 (v1) and C2 (v2)

| _ E2_|

C1 = = C2
|_E1_|

Homework Equations


Kirchoffs loop equation


The Attempt at a Solution


Applying Kirchoff's law we have,
E1 - V2 - E2 + V1 = 0
E1 - E2 = V2 - V1
Now what??
 
Last edited:
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You know that charge cannot flow between the capacitors, so the charges on them are equal.
 
Charges cannot flow alright. But how do you know they are equal?
 
I was extremely sleepy when doing this stuff. Obvious answers now that I've woken up. I wasn't even thinking. I don't even remember coming on here and making this thread. VERY SLEEPY. My mistake.
 
The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?

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