Potential difference in multi cell circuit

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the potential difference between two points in a multi-cell circuit involving capacitors. The participants are exploring the relationships between charge, voltage, and current in this context.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to apply the equation Q=cv and questioning how to use it in a circuit with multiple cells. Some are discussing the implications of applying Kirchhoff's Voltage Law (KVL) and whether the currents through the capacitors are equal. Others are exploring the relationship between charge and voltage across the capacitors.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of the application of KVL in the circuit. Some participants have provided guidance on the relationships between voltages and charges, while others are questioning the correctness of their applications of the loop rule. Multiple interpretations of the circuit behavior are being discussed.

Contextual Notes

Participants are considering the assumption that neither the batteries nor the capacitors have ohmic resistance, which may affect their reasoning about the circuit behavior. There is also uncertainty regarding the application of the loop rule and the implications for charge and voltage across the components.

carlyn medona

Homework Statement


Find potential difference between a and b in the figure

Homework Equations


Q=cv

The Attempt at a Solution

can anybody tell me how to apply the equation in this problem with more than one cell
[/B]
 

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Assuming that neither the batteries or the capacitors have ohmic resistance:

The capacitors are not exactly in series, however what can u say about the (transient) currents ##I_1## through the left capacitor and the current ##I_2## through the right capacitor? Are they equal? Why? And if they are equal what can you infer for the charges ##Q_1## and ##Q_2## of each capacitor?
 
carlyn medona said:

Homework Statement


Find potential difference between a and b in the figure

Homework Equations


Q=cv

The Attempt at a Solution

can anybody tell me how to apply the equation in this problem with more than one cell[/B]
Apply KVL which is potential difference in any close loop is zero
 
So will potential difference between the two capacitors be equal and opposite, and I thought charge through them will be same, not sure, I am not good with multi cell circuits
 
charges will be the same but voltages not necessarily. Apply KVL in the circuit knowing that the voltages at capacitors are ##\frac{Q}{C_1}## and ##\frac{Q}{C_2}##.
 
I applied loop rule and got v1+v2=0
Am I doing something wrong
 
carlyn medona said:
I applied loop rule and got v1+v2=0
Am I doing something wrong

carlyn medona said:
I applied loop rule and got v1+v2=0
Am I doing something wrong[/QUOT
Yes you are not applying loop rule properly
 
Are v1, v2 the voltages of capacitors or of the batteries?
 
Capacitors
 
  • #10
Ok then you are correct. Now replace V1 , V2 with what I said at post 5 and find Q.
 
  • #11
But q is same and c is different and v1 +v2 =0 so is q equal to zero, so no charge pass through capacitor and have v1= v2=0
 
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