Capacitances and Potential Difference.

In summary, the conversation discusses a circuit with two capacitors and two batteries, and the goal is to find the potential difference across each capacitor. The solution involves applying Kirchoff's law and realizing that the charges on the capacitors are equal since charge cannot flow between them. The conversation also mentions the person being sleepy while working on the problem and making a mistake.
  • #1
WiFO215
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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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  • #2
You know that charge cannot flow between the capacitors, so the charges on them are equal.
 
  • #3
Charges cannot flow alright. But how do you know they are equal?
 
  • #4
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.
 

FAQ: Capacitances and Potential Difference.

What is capacitance?

Capacitance is the ability of a system to store an electric charge. It is measured in farads (F) and is determined by the geometry and material of the system.

How is capacitance calculated?

Capacitance is calculated by dividing the electric charge stored in a system by the potential difference across the system. It can also be calculated by dividing the permittivity of free space by the distance between the two conductors in a parallel plate capacitor.

What is potential difference?

Potential difference, also known as voltage, is the difference in electric potential between two points in a circuit. It is measured in volts (V) and is a measure of the amount of work needed to move an electric charge from one point to another.

How are capacitance and potential difference related?

Capacitance and potential difference are directly proportional to each other. This means that an increase in capacitance will result in an increase in potential difference, and vice versa. This relationship is described by the equation C = Q/V, where C is capacitance, Q is charge, and V is potential difference.

What are some applications of capacitance and potential difference?

Capacitance and potential difference have many practical applications, including energy storage in capacitors, filtering and tuning in electronic circuits, and sensing and measurement in various devices. They are also used in power transmission and distribution systems to regulate and control voltage levels.

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