Capacitance Question: Charge Change in Circuit

  • Thread starter Thread starter help1
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Capacitance
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on analyzing the charge behavior of capacitors in a circuit after switches are closed. The key equations used include the equivalent capacitance formula (1/Ceq) = (1/c1) + (1/c2) and the charge formula q = cv. The participant initially calculated that the charge decreases in all examples, which was identified as incorrect. A request for clarification on the voltage across each capacitor before the switch closure was made, indicating a need for a detailed step-by-step solution for accurate analysis.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of capacitor circuits and charge behavior
  • Familiarity with the concept of equivalent capacitance
  • Knowledge of voltage and charge relationships in capacitors
  • Ability to interpret circuit diagrams and analyze circuit changes
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of series and parallel capacitor configurations
  • Learn how to calculate equivalent capacitance in complex circuits
  • Explore the impact of voltage changes on capacitor charge
  • Review examples of capacitor charge behavior before and after switch operations
USEFUL FOR

Students studying electrical engineering, physics enthusiasts, and anyone looking to deepen their understanding of capacitor behavior in circuits.

help1
Messages
4
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



After the switches have been closed, in which circuit will the charge on the left hand capacitor increase? decrease? stay the same?

Picture:

[PLAIN]http://img714.imageshack.us/img714/3369/capacitance.png

Homework Equations



(1/Ceq) = (1/c1) + (1/c2)
q = cv

The Attempt at a Solution



Okay so, I figured if I solve the total voltage of each capacitor, and then use q=cv, using Ceq and the total voltage, then I would get my answer. However, my answers indicated that the charge decreases in every example, and this is supposedly the wrong answer. Can someone please help?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
Pick one of the figures and show your work. For example, for figure (ii), what is the voltage on each capacitor before the switch is closed?
 

Similar threads

LC oscillations - two capacitors and an inductor
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
1K
Equivalent Capacitance and Voltage Across
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
2K
Charging Capacitors: Find Change in Charge
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
10K
A circuit with switches, capacitators and resistors
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Equivalent Capacitance in a circuit
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Capacitor Questions Charging and Discharging
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
How to find the energy of capacitance?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
What is the value of capacitance C?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
Equivalent capacitance of circuit
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
8K
Capacitors in Parallel: Finding the Relationship Between Capacitance and Charge
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K