Find the Capacitance when the switch is closed

AI Thread Summary
When the switch is closed, the voltage across capacitors C1 and C2 drops to 40V. The charge on C1 is initially 30,000 µC, and the capacitance of C1 is 300 µF. The charge on C2 can be determined by using the equation Q = Q1 + Q2, where Q1 is the charge on C1 and Q2 is the charge on C2. After calculations, the capacitance of C2 is found to be 450 µF. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding charge conservation in capacitor circuits.
SalsaOnMyTaco
Messages
32
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



When the switch is closed, Potential drops to 40v across C1 & C2(Parallel series). Find the Capacitance of C2

Homework Equations


Before switch is closed
C1=300uF and holds a charge of Q1=3e4 uC V=100vAfter switch is closed
V'=40v

The Attempt at a Solution


V1=V2

So Q1/C1=Q2/C2
Q=Q1+Q2
How could I find the charge on C2?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
SalsaOnMyTaco said:

Homework Statement



When the switch is closed, Potential drops to 40v across C1 & C2(Parallel series). Find the Capacitance of C2

Homework Equations


Before switch is closed
C1=300uF and holds a charge of Q1=3e4 uC V=100v


After switch is closed
V'=40v


The Attempt at a Solution


V1=V2

So Q1/C1=Q2/C2
Q=Q1+Q2
How could I find the charge on C2?

Might be useful if there was an indication how the capacitors and the switch are connected to each other.
 
jaIxytR.jpg
 
SalsaOnMyTaco said:
jaIxytR.jpg

SO where is the switch?
 
2ciTXkP.jpg
 
That's a two way switch so the concept of it being "open" or "closed" is meaningless. However in this case it's clear they mean it starts off to the right and moves to the left.

V1=V2 is incorrect (they even tell you it falls to 40V). It's the charge that stays constant.

Edit: Ah I see you what you mean about V1=V2. You are correct but that's irrelevant really. The charge is constant but the total capacitance changes when the switch is made.
 
Last edited:
I've solve it

Q=q1+q2

if q1=12,000

30,000-12,000=q2

q2=18,000

so C=q2/v

C=450uF
 

Similar threads

Back
Top