Equivalent Capacitance of a network

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the equivalent capacitance of a network containing capacitors with capacitances of 2C and C. The user seeks clarification on the total charge (Qt) in relation to the charges on capacitors 1 and 3, and how to apply the equations for series and parallel capacitors. Key equations referenced include Q = CV, the formula for equivalent capacitance in series and parallel configurations, and the principle of charge conservation across capacitors. The user expresses uncertainty regarding the charge distribution and potential differences across the capacitors.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of capacitor basics, including capacitance and charge (C and Q).
  • Familiarity with series and parallel capacitor configurations.
  • Knowledge of Kirchhoff's voltage law and its application in capacitor networks.
  • Ability to manipulate algebraic equations involving multiple variables.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of charge conservation in capacitor networks.
  • Learn how to derive equivalent capacitance using both series and parallel formulas.
  • Explore Kirchhoff's laws in greater detail, particularly in relation to capacitors.
  • Practice solving complex capacitor networks with varying configurations and values.
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Students studying electrical engineering, physics enthusiasts, and anyone looking to deepen their understanding of capacitor networks and equivalent capacitance calculations.

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Homework Statement


To find the equivalent capacitance of the following network (image attached at the end of the post). The blue capacitors have capacitance of 2C and the black ones have a capacitance of C.

Homework Equations


Q = CV where Q is the charge on a capacitor, C it's capacitance and V the potential difference through it's terminals.
Q_t=C'*V_n, where Qt is the total charge stored by the network (I need help with this, I think Qt is the charge on capacitor 1 + the charge on capacitor 3, but I am not sure), Vn the potential difference across the network and C' the equivalent capacitance, which is what I'm seeking
\frac{1}{C'} = \frac{1}{C_1}+\frac{1}{C_2}+...+\frac{1}{C_n} for the equivalent capacitance C' of n capacitors in series
C' = C_1+C_2+...+C_n for the equivalent capacitance of n capacitors in parallel
\sum_{i=0}^n\ V_i = 0
if Vi is the voltage across the capacitors and if you follow them in a loop (also being a little careful with signs) (this is the same as closed loop integral of E*dl = 0)

The Attempt at a Solution


Not much of an attempt, since it needs some more before i might get something valid from it, but, not knowing how to do it just with series/parallel, I'm doing it using what I know about charges on the plates and potentials. going through the capacitors in loops i get
V_I+V_I_I=V_I_I_I+V_I_V
V_I+V_V=V_I_I_I
V_V+V_I_V=V_I_I
I was thinking of using the fact that the charges on the "inner plates" need to add up to zero in order for charge to be conserved (no charge moves through the capacitors), but I'm not sure on which side will Capacitor V have positive charge and on which side it will have negative charge (this changes the result, I think) and I'm assuming all the other capacitors will have positive charge on their "left" plate and negative on the "right" plate (I'm solving this from right to left, even though it's symmetric that way).
Assuming Capacitor V has positive charge on the upper plate, i think the equations should be
2CV_I=2CV_V+CV_I_I
CV_I_I_I=-2CV_V+2CV_I_V

And that would completely determine the problem (the system is to have infinitely many solutions), since I can find the charge on capacitors 1 and 3, their sum (I think) being Qt and I can add potential differences V1 and V2 to get the potential difference across the network and that's that. I am however shaky on the last two equations and I don't know if the Qt is the sum of charges on capacitors 1 and 3.
I appreciate the help.
 
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Oh god, I'm sorry, i forgot to attach the file. there it is.
 

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  • capacitor.JPG
    capacitor.JPG
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The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?

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