How Do You Calculate the Charge on a Capacitor in This Circuit?

In summary, the conversation discusses a physics problem given through WebAssign, involving an image of a power supply and a circuit with resistors and a capacitor. The values for each component are given and the first part of the question asks for the current in each resistor, which was found using the formula I=V/R. However, the questioner is stuck on finding the charge on the capacitor and is seeking assistance. An attachment with the problem was attempted to be sent but did not go through.
  • #1
ksm11b
2
0
I was given this problem throught WebAssign for my physics class:
I am given an image of a power supply, followed by a circuit, a resistor1, then it breaks in two paths, one leading to another resistor2 and the other leading to a capacitor and then another resistor3, then the two paths come together and meet back at the power supply.
For each of these I am given the values:
R1=13000 [itex]\Omega[/itex]
R2=18000 [itex]\Omega[/itex]
R3=2000 [itex]\Omega[/itex]
dV=8.1 V
Capacitor=1.0E-5 F

The first part of the question asked for me to find the current in each of the resistors, which was fairly simple.
To do this, I used the formula:
I=V/R
to get 261 [itex]\mu[/itex]A for the first and second resistors, and 0 for the thirds, as when the switch was thrown, the capacitor had to charge and no current reached that resistor.
Now, I am completely lost as to how to find the charge on the capacitor. I have searched for methods, and have only managed to confuse myself even more. I do not know what formula to use. If I did, this would be much, much easier. Can anyone help me?
Attached is a file containing the exact problem copied to microsoft word. Any assistance you can offer will be greatly appreciated!
 
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  • #2
The attachment didn't go through! I'm sorry guys, I'm not sure what happened. :(
 

FAQ: How Do You Calculate the Charge on a Capacitor in This Circuit?

What is a capacitor?

A capacitor is an electronic component that is used to store and release electrical energy. It is made up of two conductive plates separated by a non-conductive material, called a dielectric.

How is charge stored on a capacitor?

Charge is stored on a capacitor by applying a voltage across its two plates. This causes electrons to move from one plate to the other, creating a potential difference between the plates.

How do you find the charge on a capacitor?

The charge on a capacitor can be found by multiplying the capacitance (C) of the capacitor by the voltage (V) across its plates. This can be represented by the equation Q = CV.

What is the unit of measurement for charge on a capacitor?

The unit of measurement for charge on a capacitor is the Coulomb (C), named after the physicist Charles-Augustin de Coulomb. One Coulomb is equivalent to the charge of 6.24 x 10^18 electrons.

How does the charge on a capacitor affect its capacitance?

The charge on a capacitor directly affects its capacitance. As the charge increases, the capacitance also increases. This means that the capacitor can store more energy at higher charges.

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