How Does Charge Flow in a C-R Circuit After Closing the Switch?

  • Thread starter thunderhadron
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Circuit
In summary, the conversation is about a problem in a C-R circuit and finding the charge flow from Y to X after closing the switch. The potential difference across the 6μF capacitor is 6V due to it being in parallel with the 6Ω resistor. This is because in a parallel circuit, the potential difference is the same across each component. The 3μF capacitor, being in series with the 3Ω resistor, will have a potential difference of 3V. This is due to the potential being divided based on resistance in a series circuit.
  • #1
thunderhadron
141
0
Hi friends,
I have a big issue in a simple C-R circuit. Thank you in advance if anyone would help me in this case.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/301868_2238324694917_1752023214_1085083_1481697696_n.jpg


In this problem we have to find out after closing the switch 's' how much charge will flow from Y to X.

Well I have got the answer also but I have confusion in that only.
The doubt is as follows.

Initially I found the potential difference across 3μF, 6μF capacitors and the 3Ω
and 6Ω resistor. The readings are as follows respectively - 6 V, 3 V, 3 V and 6 V. According to these the charge on each capacitor is 18μC cause both are in series. But after closing the switch 6μF and 6Ω comes in parallel. The P.D. across and 6Ω resistor is 6 V and hence the P.D across 6μF becomes 6 V. And hence the P.D. across 3μF capacitor becomes 3 V. Now according to the relation "Q = CV" the new charges on 6μF and 3μF are 36μC & 9μC. Hence the amount of charge from Y to X is (36μC - 9μC = 27μC).

Friends my confusion is after being in parallel with 6Ω resistor why P.D. across 6μF becomes 6 V why not some other value. Someone said it is due to 6Ω is at higher potential. If that so why this theory is not applied with 3μF and 3Ω resistor, here 3μF is at higher potential 6 V.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2




Thank you for sharing your problem with us. I understand your confusion regarding the potential difference across the 6μF capacitor after closing the switch. Let me try to clarify this for you.

When the switch is closed, the 6μF capacitor and the 6Ω resistor are in parallel. This means that they have the same potential difference across them. Since the potential difference across the 6Ω resistor is 6V, the potential difference across the 6μF capacitor must also be 6V. This is because in a parallel circuit, the potential difference across each component is the same. So, the potential difference across the 6μF capacitor cannot be any other value than 6V in this case.

As for your question about why this theory is not applied to the 3Ω resistor and the 3μF capacitor, it is because they are in series. In a series circuit, the potential difference is divided across each component based on their resistance. So, in this case, the 3μF capacitor will have a potential difference of 3V because it has half the resistance of the 6Ω resistor. This is why the potential difference across the 3μF capacitor is not 6V, even though it is at a higher potential compared to the 6Ω resistor.

I hope this helps to clear up your confusion. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to ask. Good luck with your circuit!
 

Related to How Does Charge Flow in a C-R Circuit After Closing the Switch?

1. What is a "Simple C-R circuit"?

A simple C-R circuit is a circuit that consists of a capacitor (C) and a resistor (R) connected in series. It is commonly used in electronic circuits to control the flow of electrical current.

2. How do I solve a Simple C-R circuit problem?

To solve a Simple C-R circuit problem, you will need to use Ohm's Law (V=IR) and the formula for calculating the voltage across a capacitor (V=Q/C). You will also need to understand how capacitors and resistors behave in an electrical circuit.

3. What are the key components of a Simple C-R circuit?

The key components of a Simple C-R circuit are a capacitor, a resistor, and a power source. The capacitor stores electrical energy, while the resistor controls the flow of current. The power source provides the energy for the circuit to function.

4. How does a Simple C-R circuit behave in an AC circuit?

In an AC circuit, the voltage across the capacitor in a Simple C-R circuit will vary with the frequency of the alternating current. This means that the capacitor will charge and discharge at a different rate depending on the frequency of the AC current.

5. What are some practical applications of Simple C-R circuits?

Simple C-R circuits are commonly used in electronic devices such as filters, timing circuits, and voltage regulators. They are also used in power supplies and audio amplifiers.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
288
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
522
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
2K
Back
Top