Voltage over a capacitor in a RC-circuit.

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion focuses on the relationship between voltage across a capacitor in an RC circuit and the principles governing it. Participants explore the reasoning behind the equation Vc = Q/C and the conditions under which the voltage across the capacitor and the parallel resistor are the same.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks proof for the equation Vc = Q/C, indicating a desire for deeper understanding.
  • Another participant clarifies the initial question, distinguishing between two interpretations regarding the voltage across the capacitor and the parallel resistor.
  • A later reply asserts that the voltage must be the same across both components because they are connected between the same nodes.
  • Further explanation is provided about the nature of electric fields, stating that the work done by the electric field is independent of the path taken between two points, leading to the same potential difference across the capacitor and resistor.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the reasoning that the voltage across the capacitor and the resistor is the same due to their connection between the same nodes. However, the initial request for proof indicates that some uncertainty remains regarding the foundational understanding of the voltage relationship.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the lack of formal proof for the equation Vc = Q/C and the assumptions about the electric field being conservative, which may depend on specific conditions within the circuit.

Nikitin
Messages
734
Reaction score
27
Why is the voltage over the parallel-connection containing the capacitor Vc= Q/C

It makes a little (intuitive) sense to me, but I would like to see the proof if possible. Thanks.
 

Attachments

  • bilde.JPG
    bilde.JPG
    39.8 KB · Views: 482
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Why is the voltage over the parallel-connection containing the capacitor Vc= Q/C

Are you asking...
1) why is the voltage on the capacitor = Q/C?
or
2) why is the voltage on the parallel combination of R and C the same as the voltage on the capacitor alone?
 
I'm asking 2.
 
The voltage must be the same because both components are connected between the same nodes.
 
And if you want to know why the voltage must be the same between the same two nodes, the reason is that the only field we're dealing with here is an electric field set up by the charges on the capacitor plates. But an electric field is a conservative field, meaning that if we take a test charge between two points, A and B, in the field, the work done by the field on the charge is the same for whichever route we go from A to B. So the work done on the test charge per unit charge it carries, i.e. the potential difference or voltage, is the same for all routes. In your case the routes of interest are via the capacitor and via the resistor!
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K
Replies
152
Views
8K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K