How Do Capacitors Charge in a Circuit with Multiple Batteries?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the charge on three capacitors (C1, C2, C3) in a circuit with multiple batteries. The user attempts to apply Kirchhoff's rules to establish equations for the circuit but struggles with the correct formulation. They initially write the equations incorrectly and later realize the need to adjust the signs for voltage drops across the capacitors. Additionally, a key relationship is identified: Q1 + Q3 = Q2, based on the current relationships in the circuit. The user is encouraged to plug in the values and perform algebraic manipulations to find the charges once equilibrium is reached.
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Homework Statement



Three capacitors C1–C3, all initially uncharged, are placed in the circuit show above. The capacitances are C1=15.2 μF, C2=9.8 μF, C3=4.4 μF, and the battery voltages are V1=20 V, V2=20 V, V3=5 V.

What is the magnitude q1 of the charge on capacitor C1 once equilibrium has been established?

What is the magnitude q2 of the charge on capacitor C2 once equilibrium has been established?

What is the magnitude q3 of the charge on capacitor C3 once equilibrium has been established?

Homework Equations



V=Q/C
I1+I3=i2


The Attempt at a Solution



I tried applrying the kirchhoff's rule, but i don't know where to go with it... i don't even know if i am write or not.
V1+Q1/C1 + Q2/C2+V2=0
V3+Q2/C2+V2+Q3/C3=0
 

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No figure is visible, so it's impossible to help you.
 
really sorry about that. I didnt realize
 
sabak22 said:
...

The Attempt at a Solution



I tried applying the Kirchhoff rule, but i don't know where to go with it... i don't even know if i am write or not.
V1+Q1/C1 + Q2/C2+V2=0
V3+Q2/C2+V2+Q3/C3=0

For the loop with V1+Q1/C1 + Q2/C2+V2=0: Assuming the voltage drops are for traversing the loop in a Clockwise sense, there is a voltage drop across the capacitors. This equation should be:
V1 - Q1/C1 - Q2/C2 + V2=0 .​

Similarly, the signs for the voltages across the capacitors in the other loop equation should also be changed.

Additionally, you have Q1 + Q3 = Q2, because I1 + I3 = I2 .

Plugin all the values, do some algebra and see what you get.
 
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