Different Capacitors in a Circuit

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the comparison of two circuits, A and A2, each containing identical capacitors but differing in the size of an additional capacitor in the circuit. The key equations involved are Q=VC for charge and U=1/2CV^2 for energy stored. It is established that while the voltage across both circuits may initially appear the same due to the series configuration, the charge, charge accumulation, and energy stored will differ based on the characteristics of the additional capacitor. The net change in voltage in any closed loop must equal zero, influencing the overall behavior of the circuit.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of capacitor behavior in series circuits
  • Familiarity with the equations Q=VC and U=1/2CV^2
  • Knowledge of voltage and charge relationships in electrical circuits
  • Basic principles of circuit analysis, including Kirchhoff's laws
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  • Study the effects of capacitor size on charge distribution in series circuits
  • Learn about Kirchhoff's Voltage Law and its applications in circuit analysis
  • Explore energy storage differences in capacitors with varying capacitance
  • Investigate practical applications of capacitors in electronic circuits
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Homework Statement


Which of the following capacitors (A vs. A2, which are identical) will have a larger charge, charge accumulation, voltage, energy stored? (Assume that the only difference between the two circuits is the size of the other capacitor in the circuit, as shown.)
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Homework Equations


Q=VC, U=1/2CV^2
Net change in voltage in any closed loop in a circut must be 0.

The Attempt at a Solution


Originally, I thought that the voltage of both A and A2 would be the same, because there are two capacitors in a series in each circuit. But I think this is wrong because it makes the charge, charge accumulation, and energy stored all 'same' as well.
 
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When a capacitor is charged, it gets +Q on one plate and -Q on the other. Equal charge on each side. Also, in your series circuit, the total charge in the middle (right plate of one capacitor and left plate of the other) must be zero (because there is no conductor going from there to the battery to pass a charge). That should be enough info for you!
 

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