What is the Value of the Second Capacitor in a Charge Conservation Problem?

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In summary: F, so we can find the total voltage by using Q= CV where Q is the total charge from C_2 or 2.7*10-6 * 12 = 3.24 * 10 ^-5, so the total voltage is 3.24 * 10^{-5} / 6.7 * 10^-6 = 4.8358 VThen we setup the equation :(2.7{\mu}F)(V_1)+(4{\mu}F)(V_2) = 3.24*10^-5 and V_1+V_2 = 4.8358,
  • #1
leolaw
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A 7.7 uF capacitor is charged by a 125-V battery and then is disconnected from the battery. When this Capacitor [tex]C_1[/tex] is then connected to a second (initially uncharged) capacitor, [tex] C_2[/tex], is the final voltage on each capacitor is 15V. What is the value of [tex]C_2[/tex]
(The hint from the book is that, charge is conserved.)

Here is how I have approached the problem:
Q= CV, so the charge on [tex]C_1[/tex] is 7.7 * 10^-6 * 125 = 9.625 * 10^-4
And this is also the total charge before removing the battery. After inserting [tex]C_2[/tex], the total voltage is 30V, so we have:
[tex] 9.625*10^{-4} = (C_1 + C_2)(30)[/tex]
and solve for [tex] C_2[/tex], which is 2.4 * 10^-5

Am i right?
 
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  • #2
The total Voltage after the charging is done is 30V however the voltage is then split into 15V for both

[tex] C_{1} (15) + C_{2} (15) = C_{1} (125) [/tex]

because the charge is conserved the sum of charges on both the capacitors is the charge on the capacitor 1 on how it started. Also Read teh question ti says the FINAL VOLTAGE ON EACH CAPACITOR is 15V.
 
  • #3
Thx, I similar problem like the previous one:

A 2.7 uF capacitor is charged by a 12V battery. It is disconnected from the battery and then connected to an uncharged 4 uF capacitor. Determine the total stored energy (a) before the two capacitors are connected, and (b) after they are connected. (c) what is the change in energy?

(a) it is just [tex]\frac{1}{2}\frac{Q^2}{C}[/tex], so it is 1.944* 10^-4J
(b) The total capacitance in the circut is 6.7uF, so we can find the total voltage by using Q= CV where Q is the total charge from [tex]C_2[/tex] or 2.7*10-6 * 12 = 3.24 * 10 ^-5, so the total voltage is [tex]3.24 * 10^{-5} / 6.7 * 10^-6 = 4.8358 V[/tex]
Then we setup the equation :
[tex](2.7{\mu}F)(V_1)+(4{\mu}F)(V_2) = 3.24*10^-5[/tex] and [tex]V_1+V_2 = 4.8358[/tex],
then we calculate the electric energy on each capacitance individually by using [tex]\frac{1}{2}CV^2[/tex], and add them together

(c) it is just the difference of (a)-(b)

I am not quite sure if i am right on part (b)
 

FAQ: What is the Value of the Second Capacitor in a Charge Conservation Problem?

What is a capacitor?

A capacitor is an electronic component that stores electrical energy in an electric field. It is made up of two conductive plates separated by an insulating material called a dielectric.

How does a capacitor work?

A capacitor works by storing electrical charge on its plates when it is connected to a power source. When the power source is removed, the capacitor releases this stored charge, providing a temporary source of electrical energy.

What are the different types of capacitors?

The most common types of capacitors are ceramic, electrolytic, film, and variable capacitors. These differ in their construction materials, capacitance values, and intended uses.

What is the purpose of a capacitor in a circuit?

Capacitors are used in circuits for a variety of purposes, including filtering out unwanted signals, smoothing out voltage fluctuations, and providing temporary power in case of power interruptions. They can also be used for tuning and timing in electronic circuits.

How do I choose the right capacitor for my circuit?

The capacitance, voltage rating, and size of a capacitor are important factors to consider when choosing one for a circuit. It is also important to consider the intended use and environment of the circuit, as certain types of capacitors may be more suitable for specific applications.

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