Potential difference across capacitors, can someone check this?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the potential difference across capacitor C2 given specific capacitance values and a voltage source. Initially, the user calculated the total capacitance of C1 and C3 in parallel incorrectly, leading to an erroneous voltage across C2. After reevaluating, they found the correct total capacitance to be 1.5 x 10^-5 Farads and recalculated the charge, resulting in a potential difference of 24 V across C2. The user seeks confirmation on the accuracy of this final calculation. The conversation highlights the importance of correctly determining total capacitance in parallel circuits for accurate voltage calculations.
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Homework Statement


What is the potential difference across C2 when C1 = 5.0 µF, C2 = 15 µF, C3 = 30 µF, and V0 = 24 V?
http://img503.imageshack.us/img503/9994/capacitanceqb1.jpg


Homework Equations



C = Q/V


The Attempt at a Solution



I calculated total capacitance of C1 and C3 in parallel, that is 3.5 x 10^-5 Farads.

So the charge going across is Q = CV = 3.5x10^-5 x 24 = 8.4 x 10^-4 C

Therefore the voltage going across the other capacitor is V = Q/C, which 8.4x10^-4/15x10^-6 = 56V

Which looks really wrong.

Help?

Thanks in advance.
 
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Wait I redid it. I first calculated the total capacitance which turned out to be 1.5x10^-5 Farads.

Got the total charge by Q = CV, 1.5x10^-5 x 24 = 3.6x10^-4 C

3.6x10^-4/15x10^-6 = 24 V

So is that right?
 
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