Solve Circuit: Find ΔQ for Switch T Turned Off

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the change in charge (ΔQ) on the top plate of a capacitor when a switch (T) in a circuit is turned off. The initial charge (Qinit) is derived from the equation Qinit = C(-Rf/(2r+R)), while the final charge (Qfin) is calculated as Qfin = C(-fR/(2r+R)). The user identifies a potential error in their calculations, particularly regarding the current (I) flowing through the circuit when the switch is off compared to when it is on. They seek assistance in resolving this discrepancy.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic circuit theory and components, including capacitors and switches.
  • Familiarity with Kirchhoff's voltage law and its application in circuit analysis.
  • Knowledge of charge (Q), voltage (V), and current (I) relationships in capacitive circuits.
  • Ability to manipulate algebraic equations to solve for unknowns in electrical circuits.
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the principles of Kirchhoff's laws to ensure correct application in circuit analysis.
  • Study the behavior of capacitors in DC circuits, particularly during switching events.
  • Learn about transient analysis in circuits to understand how current and voltage change over time.
  • Examine examples of charge calculations in capacitive circuits to reinforce understanding of ΔQ.
USEFUL FOR

Electrical engineering students, circuit designers, and anyone involved in analyzing or designing circuits with capacitors and switches will benefit from this discussion.

hastings
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In the given circuit (1st diagram), the switch T is initially down (creates a connection). At a certain instant, the switch is turned off and for a while the circuit is kept in that state(final situation). Find the ΔQ=Q(fin)-Q(init) on the top plate of the capacitor while passing from the initial condition to the final condition. Please check out the diagrams. Consider all the quantities which appear in the diagrams, as known.


What I did:
(1) When the switch is creating a connection, there is a current "I" which flows in the circuit BUT there is no current (or it tends to 0) in the piece of circuit containing the capacitor; we can consider it as an open switch or simply remove that piece (2nd diagram).
I need to know (Va-Vb) in order to determine the Q(int)

f-I(2r+R) +f =0

I=\frac{2f}{2r+R} (1.1)

(V_A-V_B) -Ir+f=0 \longrightarrow (V_A - V_B)=Ir-f (1.2)

Substituting (1.1) into (1.2), I get

(V_A - V_B)=\frac{2f}{2r+R}r-f

From that, I guess

Q^{init}=C(V_A-V_B)=C(\frac{2f}{2r+R}r-f)=C(-\frac{Rf}{2r+R}).

Is it correct up to this point?

Now, how to proceed when the switch T is open and doesn't create connection (3rd diagram) with r and the 2nd source?
 

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Let me try the second part. I'll refer to the 3rd diagram attached.
(2) I again need to know (Va-Vb) in order to find Q(fin). The current flows clock wise but I move counter clock wise because I have to go from A to B.

(V_A-V_B) +I(r+R) -f=0

(V_A-V_B)= f-I(r+R). (2.1)

In the above expression I substitute (1.1) and I get:

(V_A-V_B)= f-( \frac{2f}{2r+R} )(r+R) = \frac{2fr+fR-2fr-2fR}{2r+R}=-\frac{fR}{2r+R}

Q^{fin}=C(V_A-V_B)=C (-\frac{fR}{2r+R})

Hence

\Delta Q=Q^{fin}-Q^{init}= (- C\frac{fR}{2r+R}) -(-C\frac{Rf}{2r+R})

This cannot be possible!
Now, I clearly have mistaken somewhere! Plus, I think the current flowing in the circuit when switch T is off, is different from the current flowing when the switch is on, so I probably cannot use the same expression of "I", the current, in the 2nd part of the problem. Therefore, please help me!
 
Last edited:
Can anyone help me? thanks.
 

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