Capacitor Charge Calculation: C1 and C2 in Series

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the behavior of two parallel plate capacitors, C1 and C2, connected in series across a battery with an emf V. The original poster presents calculations for the final charges on both capacitors, given that C1 has an initial charge q0 while C2 starts uncharged.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to calculate the final charges on the capacitors and seeks validation of their results. Some participants question the validity of the expressions provided, particularly regarding the interpretation of VC1 and its units. Others inquire about the possibility of expressing the charge on the capacitors as a function of time.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring the correctness of the original poster's calculations and clarifying the assumptions behind the voltage and charge relationships. There is a focus on understanding the implications of the series connection of capacitors and the initial conditions presented.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the idealized nature of the problem, lacking resistances, complicates the ability to describe the charge as a function of time. There is also a concern regarding the units of the variables involved in the calculations.

i_island0
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there are two parallel plate capacitors C1 and C2 connected in series across a battery of emf V with a switch S. The capacitor C1 has some initial charge q0 while C2 is uncharged.
I have connected the positive terminal of battery (of emf V) to the positive plate of capacitor C1.
Final charge on the two capacitors that i got are:
Final charge on C1: q0 + (VC1 - q0)C2/(C1 + C2)
Final charge on C2: (VC1 - q0)C2/(C1 + C2)
is my answer correct?
 
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In the series combination of the capacitors charge on each plate must be the same irrespective of the initial charge.
 
sorry sir, but i m not able to understand your point. can you then tell me the charge on both capacitors as a function of time.
 
Last edited:
i_island0 said:
Final charge on the two capacitors that i got are:
Final charge on C1: q0 + (VC1 - q0)C2/(C1 + C2)
Final charge on C2: (VC1 - q0)C2/(C1 + C2)
is my answer correct?

I think these expressions need some clarification and examination. Is VC1 intended to represent the initial "voltage drop" across C1, that is,

VC1 = q0/C1 ?

If so, there is a problem: VC1 and q0 have different units (voltage vs. charge), so the difference (VC1 - q0) in your expressions would not be meaningful.

Perhaps it would be helpful to show how you arrived at these results. You will not be able to construct functions of time describing the charges, since this idealized problem has no resistances in the circuit: you will not be able to calculate current. In any case, I don't think your expression can be correct.
 
Last edited:

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