How Do You Solve Capacitor Problems Using Kirchhoff's Laws?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving capacitor problems using Kirchhoff's laws in a physics context. The original poster presents a worksheet with specific parts of a problem they are struggling to complete, particularly parts b and c.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the validity of the original poster's assumption regarding the voltage across a capacitor and question their understanding of Kirchhoff's laws. There is an attempt to clarify the relationship between voltage, capacitance, and circuit behavior.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided feedback on the original poster's approach, indicating that part a appears correct while raising questions about part b. There is an ongoing exploration of the concepts involved, with some guidance offered regarding the application of Kirchhoff's laws.

Contextual Notes

The original poster expresses uncertainty about their understanding of Kirchhoff's laws and how to apply them to the problem at hand. There is a mention of the need for further clarification on the definitions and implications of capacitance in the context of the circuit.

AG1189
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Ok here a scanned photo oh my worksheet for physics. I tried and used what I knew for equations to solve. After looking at other sample problems, I am not sure how to find part b and c of the problem. I think I went wrong somewhere. Could someone take a look and guide me in the right direction. ty :smile:

http://img166.imageshack.us/my.php?image=file0001ka0.jpg
 
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Part a looks okay.
Part b, you assumed that there is 24 v across the cap of interest, is this correct? Think about kirchhoffs laws.
 
I have no idea what kirchhoffs laws means, could someone explain it in simple terms
 
Sorry, usually you see k's laws by this point. Basically( in nontechnical terms) , any voltage gained in the circuit must be dropped elsewhere. So you have an emf, or battery if you like, that is rated at 24 volts. This voltage is dropped across the capacitors. How much is dropped is given by the definition of capitance-> c = q/(delta v). Using the equivalent capacitance of each set of caps in parallel will tell you how much voltage is dropped by each pair. Devices in parallel by definition have the same voltage across them.
Really, you should look up kirchhoff's laws, there is too much to explain here.
 

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