- #1
K Dhiraj Bhak
- 13
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Homework Statement
Two capacitors A and B with capacitance 3 μF and 2 μF are charged to potential difference of 100 V and 180 V respectively. These two capacitors are connected to an uncharged capacitor of 2 μF using a switch as shown in the diagram. Determine the final charge on each capacitor when the switch is closed. ( please refer the figure (attachment))...
Homework Equations
Q=CV
The Attempt at a Solution
the actual method is by charge conservation and Kirchhoff Loop rule.. ..but i tried a different method and terribly failed! BEFORE THE SWITCH IS ON, i tried to find the net equivalent capacitance of the 2 capacitors lying in the bottom,and then,WHEN SWITCH IS ON ,by assuming that a charge (q') flows to the uncharged capacitor from the NET charged capacitor till the capacitors are at the same potentials.But i ended up with the wrong answer...so my method fails...but why?...i think i went wrong in the first step itself...i feel i shouldn't have found the net capacitance using series formula...but why not? where did i go wrong actually? please help. in brief, why can't we apply series combination formula in an open circuit??
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