Help with RC Circuits: 3 Resistors in Series

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on understanding the configuration of three resistors in a circuit with capacitors. Initially, there is confusion about why the resistors are considered in series after the capacitors reach steady state. It is clarified that once the capacitors are fully charged, they effectively become non-existent in the circuit, allowing the resistors to be treated as a series connection. The conversation also touches on applying Kirchhoff's loop rule to analyze the circuit further, specifically regarding the charges on the capacitor plates. Ultimately, the key takeaway is the importance of recognizing the impact of capacitors on circuit behavior over time.
pyroknife
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Homework Statement


I attached the problem

I don't understand why the 3 resistors at the top end up being in series for part b. can someone explain that to me.

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution

 

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After a long time, when the circuit reaches steady state, the capacitors will be charged to their steady state values and no further current will flow into or out of them. Essentially, as far as the current is concerned, they no longer exist in the circuit.

If you take your eraser and remove the capacitors, what doe the circuit look like?
 
Ohh i see thanks a bunch. But even if i erase the capacitors and have just a wire in their place, wouldn't it still look like the 3 are in parallel?
 
pyroknife said:
Ohh i see thanks a bunch. But even if i erase the capacitors and have just a wire in their place, wouldn't it still look like the 3 are in parallel?

By erase I mean eliminate completely. Leave no trace! Not even wires!
 
gneill said:
By erase I mean eliminate completely. Leave no trace! Not even wires!

Oh i see. part c of the question asks for the charges on the plates of the capacitors a long time after switch S is closed. If I play kirkoff's loop rule to the capacitor with the 10 microfarads, which resistors would I have to include in the equation?
 
wait never mind I wasn't thinking. "loop" so I just take one of the triangles at the top and apply the loop rule.
 
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