How Do Capacitors Charge in a Circuit with Multiple Batteries?

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a circuit containing three capacitors (C1, C2, C3) connected to multiple batteries with specified voltages. The original poster seeks to determine the charge on each capacitor once equilibrium is reached, using Kirchhoff's rules and the relationship between voltage, charge, and capacitance.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply Kirchhoff's rules to analyze the circuit but expresses uncertainty about their approach and the correctness of their equations. They question the setup of their equations regarding voltage drops across the capacitors.

Discussion Status

Some participants note the absence of a circuit diagram, which complicates the analysis. The original poster has provided equations but is unsure about their validity. There is an ongoing exploration of the correct application of Kirchhoff's rules and the relationships between the charges on the capacitors.

Contextual Notes

The discussion is hindered by the lack of a visible figure representing the circuit, which is crucial for understanding the configuration and interactions of the components involved.

sabak22
Messages
23
Reaction score
0

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
 

Attachments

  • KirCap.png
    KirCap.png
    1.7 KB · Views: 534
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
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.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
7K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Replies
2
Views
1K
Replies
8
Views
9K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K