Charge on Capacitors in Series After Switch Flipped

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the behavior of capacitors in series after a switch is flipped, specifically analyzing the charge distribution over time for two capacitors, C_1 and C_2, connected with a resistor R. The initial charge on C_1 is Q_0, while C_2 starts uncharged. The user proposes equations for the charge on each capacitor, but identifies an error in their approach, noting that the charge on C_1 diminishes while C_2's charge increases, leading to a need for a solution that approaches a constant value rather than zero as time progresses.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of capacitor charging equations, specifically the formula Q=CV(1-e^{-t/\tau})
  • Familiarity with series circuits involving resistors and capacitors
  • Knowledge of time constants in RC circuits
  • Basic principles of electric charge conservation in circuits
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the charge equations for capacitors in series
  • Learn about the time constant τ in RC circuits and its impact on charging behavior
  • Investigate the concept of charge partitioning based on capacitance ratios
  • Explore simulation tools for visualizing capacitor charging in series circuits
USEFUL FOR

Electrical engineering students, circuit designers, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of capacitor charging in series configurations.

eridanus
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A capacitor, a resistor, and another capacitor is connected in series. The first capacitor, C_1, has an initial charge of Q_0, and C_2 is initially uncharged. The switch is flipped at t=0, what is the charge on each capacitor as a function of time?

So I thought
[tex] Q_1 = Q_{0}e^{-t(C_{1}+C_{2})/RC_{1}C_{2}}[/tex]

[tex] V_1 = Q_{0}e^{-t(C_{1}+C_{2})/RC_{1}C_{2}}/C_{1}[/tex]

[tex] Q_2 = C_{2}/C_{1}(Q_{0}e^{-t(C_{1}+C_{2})/RC_{1}C_{2}})(1-e^{-t(C_{1}+C_{2})/RC_{1}C_{2}})[/tex]
but this is apparently wrong

where am I messing up?
thanks.
 
Last edited:
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Is the configuration ---C1----R---C2 ---- ?

as opposed to


Vin-----C1---+---C2--- Vout
|
R
|
----------+---------​

The charge diminishes on C1, but increases on C2, so the solution cannot be exp(-At), which would go to zero at t = infinity. The solution must go to some constant, and the charge would be partitioned according to the relative capacitances.
 
Last edited:
this is the diagram given
http://www.columbia.edu/~kqc2101/circuit.gif

so for Q_2 what would be the voltage drop V that charges C_2 in the equation
[tex] Q=CV(1-e^{-t/\tau})[/tex]
?
 
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