- #1
thelonious
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Homework Statement
Two capacitors C1 & C2 are independently charged to potentials V1 & V2. Then the two capacitors are connected to each other, where each positive plate is connected to the other's negative plate. What is the final charge on capacitor 1 in terms of C1, C2, V1, V2?
Homework Equations
Q=CV
Capacitors in parallel have equal potential drops.
Qeq = C1 + C2 (parallel)
The Attempt at a Solution
My instructor assigned this problem, worded as given. His given solution begins by stating that we can deduce from the problem statement that the capacitors are connected in parallel, and then solves by finding the equivalent capacitance, equivalent voltage, and using the expression resulting from the conservation of charge to solve for the final charge on capacitor 1. I follow the solution, but I do not understand why this problem statement describes capacitors in parallel. Isn't this a description of capacitors in series?