- #1
pietastesgood
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Homework Statement
Homework Equations
q=CV
C=C1+C2...(parallel)
1/C=1/C1+1/C2...(series)
The Attempt at a Solution
I'm not completely understanding these problems on capacitors in a circuit, as the textbook was pretty brief when explaining these particular concepts. I've only tried part a and b, but I've gotten neither right. This was my train of thought:
C(top branch)=(1/(1x10^-6)+1/(3x10^-6))^-1 = 7.5x10^-7 Farads
C(bottom branch)=(1/(2x10^-6)+1/(4x10^-6))^-1 = 1.33 x 10^-6 Farads
C(net)=2.08x10^-6 Farads
using q=CV, q=2.496x10^-5 Coulombs.
In the top branch of the circuit, the charges on C1 and C3 are equal. The voltage is divided equally between the two branches, so 6 V goes to the top branch and 6 V to the bottom branch. Using q=CV, q1+q3=C(top)*V(top)=4.5x10^-6 coulombs. Since in a series, the charges are the same, q(top)=q1=q3, so q1=q3=4.5x10^-6 coulombs. However, the answer is 9.0x10^-6 coulombs. Where did I go wrong? Thanks in advance!