Calculating Charge on Second Capacitor Connected to Battery

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves two capacitors, C1 and C2, connected to a battery. Initially, C1 is charged, and after being disconnected from the battery, it is discharged and connected to C2 in parallel before reconnecting to the battery. The goal is to determine the charge on the second capacitor, C2, when connected to the battery.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between charge, capacitance, and voltage using the formula Q = CV. There are attempts to find the battery voltage based on the charge on C1 and its capacitance. Some participants question the implications of connecting capacitors in parallel and how it affects the charge distribution.

Discussion Status

Several participants have provided insights into the problem, with some suggesting that the voltage of the battery can be determined from the initial conditions. Others highlight the need to consider the effect of the capacitance values on the charge of the second capacitor. The discussion is ongoing, with various interpretations being explored.

Contextual Notes

There are notes regarding the units of measurement, indicating that the values should be considered in microcoulombs and microfarads. Participants also emphasize the importance of correctly applying the formulas related to capacitance and charge.

santina91
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A capacitor of C1 = 10 F is connected to a battery, and a charge of 100 C builds up on the capacitor. Then, the battery is disconnected, the capacitor is discharged, and a second capacitor of capacity C2 = 20 F is connected to it in parallel. Then, the two capacitors are connected to the same battery. What is the charge on the plates (in C) of the second capacitor at that time?



Q=CV
C1+C2=C
t=RC
q=Q0e^(-t/T)



So far the only thing I have come up with to do is find the voltage of the battery by doing 100=10V. That would mean the battery is 10V, but I do not know if this is right or what to do next.
 
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note: it is all microcolumbs and microfarrhads
 
santina91 said:
note: it is all microcolumbs and microfarrhads

First of all - please. farads after Michael Faraday.

Second of all here's a μ to help you.

As to the capacitors I think all they want is for you to figure the battery voltage and then figure the charge on the second capacitor.
 
Last edited:
This problem is much easier than you're making it.
You have the formula Q = CV. You don't know what V is but you know it is constant.
C2 is twice as large as C1.
What happens to Q in the equation if you double the value of C and keep V constant?
 
just remember that U=CV
from the givens you found that the voltage of the battery was 10V
now all you have to do is use that voltage in the equation to find the energy of the second capacitor.
 

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