Potential difference in capacitor help

In summary, after the switch is flipped from position A to position B, the charge on the uncharged capacitors (C_1, C_2, and C_3) is halved.
  • #1
rayhan619
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Homework Statement



Initially, the switch in the figure is in position A and capacitors C_2 and C_3 are uncharged. Then the switch is flipped to position B. (Figure attached)
a) Afterward, what is the charge on C_1 capacitor?
b) Afterward, what is the potential difference across C_1 capacitor?
c) Afterward, what is the charge on C_2 capacitor?
d) Afterward, what is the potential difference across C_2 capacitor?
e) Afterward, what is the charge on C_3 capacitor?
f) Afterward, what is the potential difference across C_3 capacitor?

Homework Equations



V= IR

The Attempt at a Solution



How do I start this problem?
 
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  • #2


rayhan619 said:
... (Figure attached)
... How do I start this problem?

This would be a start.
 
  • #3


and here is the figure...
 

Attachments

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  • #4


So what do you think is going to happen?

What is the equivalent capacitance of the additional capacitors that are not initially connected?
 
  • #5


we know C = Q/V
V = 100 V
C1 = 15*10^-6 F
so Q = C1V = 100 V(15*10^-6 F) = 1.5*10^-3 C

C2 and C3 is in series. so 1/C = (1/C2 + 1/C3) = (1/30*10^-6)+(1/30*10^-6) = 66666.67
so C = 1.5*10^-5

would the Q be same after switching to point b? If yes, then we can figure out V using above equation.
 
  • #6


rayhan619 said:
we know C = Q/V
V = 100 V
C1 = 15*10^-6 F
so Q = C1V = 100 V(15*10^-6 F) = 1.5*10^-3 C

C2 and C3 is in series. so 1/C = (1/C2 + 1/C3) = (1/30*10^-6)+(1/30*10^-6) = 66666.67
so C = 1.5*10^-5

would the Q be same after switching to point b? If yes, then we can figure out V using above equation.

When the connection is broken then there is a fixed charge on the C1. When the switch connects to C2 and C3 then the charge will be shared according to what the equivalent capacitance for all 3 of them.

C2 and C3 = 2*C1

C2 and C3 equivalent C = C1

When you put them in || you have then C1 + C1 = 2 C1

Q = V*C

So with the new C = 2*old C and charge the same, then Vnew = 1/2*Vold
 
  • #7


there are like 6 parts of this problem.
so for part a)
C = Q/V
V = 100 V
C1 = 15*10^-6 F
so Q = C1V = 100 V(15*10^-6 F) = 1.5*10^-3 C
and how do I get the potential difference?
 
  • #8


When uncharged capacitors are connected to the charged capacitors the common potential difference is given by V = (C1V1 + o)/(C1 + C2)
 

FAQ: Potential difference in capacitor help

What is potential difference in a capacitor?

Potential difference, also known as voltage, is the difference in electric potential between two points in a circuit. In a capacitor, it is the difference in electric charge between the positive and negative plates of the capacitor.

How is potential difference measured in a capacitor?

Potential difference is measured in volts (V) using a voltmeter. The voltmeter is connected in parallel to the capacitor, and the potential difference is read off the display.

How does potential difference affect the charge on a capacitor?

The greater the potential difference, the greater the charge on the capacitor. This is because the potential difference is directly proportional to the amount of charge that can be stored in a capacitor.

Can potential difference in a capacitor be negative?

Yes, potential difference in a capacitor can be negative. This happens when the capacitor is connected in reverse polarity, causing the charges to be attracted to the opposite plates and resulting in a negative potential difference.

How does the dielectric material in a capacitor affect potential difference?

The dielectric material in a capacitor can increase the potential difference by decreasing the electric field between the plates. This allows for more charge to be stored on the plates, resulting in a higher potential difference.

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