Homework: DC circuit with capacitors

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a homework problem related to a DC circuit involving capacitors and switches. Participants are attempting to analyze the circuit using node voltage methods and are seeking assistance in finding voltages and charge values.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes the initial conditions of the circuit, noting the charges on conductors C1 and C2 and the flow of charge after closing switches S1 and S2.
  • Another participant expresses difficulty in solving the equations derived from the node voltage method, stating that there are three equations with four variables.
  • Several participants request to see the work done to identify any missed steps in the calculations.
  • One participant points out that there is no voltage drop at the amperemeter, suggesting this simplifies the analysis.
  • Another participant proposes that V1 can be found directly without calculations, which would reduce the number of unknowns.
  • A later reply reiterates the point about the amperemeter and emphasizes the importance of this observation in solving the problem.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the observation that there is no voltage drop at the amperemeter, but there is no consensus on the best method to solve the problem or how to proceed with the calculations.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes unresolved mathematical steps and assumptions regarding the circuit configuration and the application of the node voltage method.

gruba
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Homework Statement


In the given DC circuit, while switches S1,S2 are open, conductor C1 is charged with Q10, and conductor C2 is not charged. After the switch S1 is closed, through conductors flows the amount of charge q1=40µC. After the switch S2 is closed, through conductors flows the amount of charge q2= -50µC. Find E3 and Q10.

E5=15 V

Ig=0.5 A

R1=200 Ω

R2=100 Ω

R3=100 Ω

R4=60 Ω

R5=30 Ω

R6=40 Ω

C1=2 µF

C2=5 µF


Homework Equations


- DC circuit analysis methods

The Attempt at a Solution


I tried using node voltage method, but it gives three equations with four variables.
How to find voltage in the branch where capacitors are (for every case)?
 

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gruba said:
I tried using node voltage method, but it gives three equations with four variables.
Please show your work, otherwise it is impossible to tell what you missed.
 
mfb said:
Please show your work, otherwise it is impossible to tell what you missed.

Circuit has four nodes. In the first case (switches are open), setting referent potential V3=0 and applying voltage node method for nodes 1,2,4 gives:

1: \frac{V_1}{20}-\frac{V_4}{20}=-1 \Rightarrow V_1=V_4-20

2: \frac{V_2}{50}-\frac{V_4}{100}=\frac{E_3}{100} \Rightarrow 2V_2-V_4-E_3=0

4: \frac{117V_4}{1800}-\frac{V_1}{20}-\frac{V_2}{100}=\frac{1}{2}-\frac{E_3}{100}

This system can't be solved.
 

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There is no voltage drop at the amperemeter.

It's hard to follow your equations if you directly plug in numbers.
 
mfb said:
There is no voltage drop at the amperemeter.

It's hard to follow your equations if you directly plug in numbers.

Do you have any suggestions what method to use in this problem?
 
mfb said:
There is no voltage drop at the amperemeter.
You can directly find V1 without calculations, then you are down to three unknowns for three equations.
 
mfb said:
You can directly find V1 without calculations, then you are down to three unknowns for three equations.

How do you find potential V1?
 
With the hint I posted twice:
There is no voltage drop at the amperemeter.
 

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