Potential difference across capacitors

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a circuit involving capacitors, specifically focusing on the potential difference across a three microfarad capacitor when the potential at point A exceeds that at point B by 19 volts.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply Kirchhoff's law to determine the net potential difference, expressing uncertainty about sign conventions and the implications of capacitors in series.
  • Some participants question the clarity of the circuit diagram referenced, indicating a need for visual context.
  • Others suggest reconsidering the voltage distribution across capacitors in series, noting that the total voltage is the sum of individual voltages.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different interpretations of the circuit's behavior and the implications of the potential difference. Some guidance has been offered regarding the voltage across capacitors in series, but no consensus has been reached.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of a missing circuit diagram, which may be affecting participants' ability to fully engage with the problem. Additionally, the original poster expresses confusion regarding sign conventions in the context of the problem.

Krushnaraj Pandya
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Homework Statement


The figure shows part of a complete circuit. The potential at point A is greater than that of B by 19 volts what is the potential difference in volts across the three microfarad capacitor?

Homework Equations


All relevant to electric circuits

The Attempt at a Solution


From Kirchhoff's law, net potential difference across a closed loop should be 0. V(a)-(b)=19 V. Therefore, the net potential difference across given figure should be -19 V. I'm having trouble with the sign conventions related to this, since I don't know what sign to put with the batteries, otherwise since all capacitors are in series- charge across them is the same. I'd appreciate some insight.
 
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Krushnaraj Pandya said:
The figure shows part of a complete circuit.
Which figure?:wink:
 
The voltage would not be equivalent across capacitors in series. The voltage across all of the capacitors is the sum of the voltage across each individual one.
 
Hi could you re-attach the circuit drawing ? It is not displaying on my iPhone
 

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