Finding the potential across capacitors in capacitor-only circuits

Click For Summary
The discussion centers on finding the potential across capacitors in capacitor-only circuits using Kirchhoff's Voltage Law (KVL). The user attempts to determine charge distribution and calculates the potential difference between points M and N as Q1/C2. However, they receive feedback indicating a sign error in their initial equations. The user acknowledges the feedback and thanks the responder for the assistance. This highlights the importance of careful equation setup in circuit analysis.
Gourab_chill
Messages
55
Reaction score
3
Homework Statement
I have been asked to find the potential difference between points M and N in the given figure. The circuit is in the attachment.
Relevant Equations
Q=CV
I tried to attempt it by applying KVL to both the loops.
soln.PNG

I tried to find a possible charge distribution for the capacitors. I guess this is right.
soln1.PNG

On solving I get:
attempt.png

from what I know potential difference between M and N is Q1/C2
but the solution is given as:
soln2.PNG

Where am I wrong?
 

Attachments

  • ques.PNG
    ques.PNG
    1.6 KB · Views: 207
Physics news on Phys.org
Welcome to PF!

You have a sign error in one of your first two equations.
 
  • Like
Likes Gourab_chill
TSny said:
Welcome to PF!

You have a sign error in one of your first two equations.
thanks
 
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?

Similar threads

  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
887
Replies
9
Views
2K
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
1K
  • · Replies 30 ·
2
Replies
30
Views
3K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K