Finding the voltage of a circuit

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the voltage of a battery in a circuit involving a variable capacitor (C3) and two fixed capacitors (C1 and C2). The electric potential across capacitor 1 (V1) approaches 10V as C3 approaches infinity, indicating that the battery voltage is also 10V. Participants emphasize the importance of understanding the circuit configuration, particularly the relationship between series and parallel connections when C3 is treated as a wire. A clearer derivation of the voltage in terms of the battery voltage and capacitances is recommended for better comprehension.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of capacitor configurations (series and parallel)
  • Familiarity with the concept of electric potential and voltage
  • Knowledge of capacitance formulas, specifically C=q/V
  • Basic circuit analysis techniques
NEXT STEPS
  • Derive the general expression for voltage V1 in terms of battery voltage V and capacitances C1, C2, and C3
  • Explore the behavior of capacitors in series and parallel configurations
  • Study the implications of variable capacitors in circuit design
  • Review the concept of electric potential and its relation to capacitance
USEFUL FOR

Students studying electrical engineering, circuit designers, and anyone interested in understanding capacitor behavior in circuits.

x86
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Homework Statement


Capacitor 3 in Figure (a) is a variable capacitor (its capacitance C3 can be varied). Figure (b) gives the electric potential V1 across capacitor 1 versus C3. The horizontal scale is set by C3s = 20 μF. Electric potential V1 approaches an asymptote of 10 V as C3 approaches infinity. What are (a) the electric potential V across the battery, (b)C1, and (c)C2?

http://edugen.wileyplus.com/edugen/courses/crs7165/art/qb/qu/c25/fig25_44_wiley.gif

Homework Equations


C=q/V=(permitivity constant)A/d

The Attempt at a Solution


I've been stuck on this problem for 1 hour. I just can't figure it out. I can't figure out the voltage of the battery, which is supposed to be 10V.

What I've tried to do is look at when C3=infinity which means that the distance between the capacitor is 0, so its just a wire. Then I get a parallel circuit with C1, and C2, where the voltage going through C1 is 10V. This makes a series circuit with C1, C2. So I know that the voltage of the battery = 10V + the voltage through C2. I can't figure out how to get 10V for the battery
 
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x86 said:
What I've tried to do is look at when C3=infinity which means that the distance between the capacitor is 0, so its just a wire. Then I get a parallel circuit with C1, and C2, where the voltage going through C1 is 10V. This makes a series circuit with C1, C2. So I know that the voltage of the battery = 10V + the voltage through C2. I can't figure out how to get 10V for the battery

I'm not following where you state that C3 = ##\infty## makes a parallel circuit and then in the next sentence say it's a series circuit.

Can you derive a general expression for the voltage V1 in terms of the battery voltage, V, and C1, C2, and C3? You can then see what happens as C3 goes to infinity.
 
x86 said:
What I've tried to do is look at when C3=infinity which means that the distance between the capacitor is 0, so its just a wire.
While that concept of it being "just a wire" might work for you in most situations, rather than "distance being 0" it may be better to think of plate area being huge.

As TSny points out, your narrative is confused/confusing, so you need to get that sorted out.

I think you should sketch your own copy of the graph that is provided, but this time label the horizontal axis in uF not their confusing C3s nonsense.
 

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