Potential difference across capacitors

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the potential difference across a three microfarad capacitor in a circuit where point A has a potential 19 volts greater than point B. According to Kirchhoff's law, the net potential difference across a closed loop is zero, leading to the conclusion that the potential difference across the capacitor is -19 volts. Participants emphasize the importance of understanding sign conventions and the behavior of voltage in series circuits, noting that the total voltage across capacitors in series is the sum of the individual voltages.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Kirchhoff's laws
  • Knowledge of electric circuits and potential difference
  • Familiarity with capacitors and their behavior in series
  • Basic skills in circuit diagram interpretation
NEXT STEPS
  • Study Kirchhoff's voltage law in detail
  • Learn about capacitors in series and their voltage distribution
  • Explore sign conventions in electrical circuits
  • Practice circuit analysis with various configurations
USEFUL FOR

Students studying electrical engineering, circuit designers, and anyone looking to deepen their understanding of capacitor behavior in series circuits.

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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