Understanding Capacitor Circuits: Comparing Charge Flow and Brightness

  • Thread starter sonetard
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Capacitors
In summary, the conversation discusses the charging and discharging of a capacitor through two different circuits involving bulbs. The first circuit (Figure 2a) has two bulbs and the second circuit (Figure 2b) has a single bulb. The conversation also includes a series of statements to be marked as true or false and the attempt at solving the problem. The main points are that the circuit with two bulbs will be dimmer due to less resistance and that the total resistance of the two bulbs is greater than that of a single bulb. Additionally, a compass would show a larger deflection for Figure 2a than for 2b.
  • #1
sonetard
1
0

Homework Statement


A capacitor is charged through two bulbs (Figure 2a) and then discharged through a single bulb (Figure 2b)

a. Show the appropriate rays on the bulbs in each circuit
b. Mark each of the following statements as True or False. If the statement is false edit/alter the statement so that it becomes true.

1. _More charge flows through the single bulb than through the two bulbs.
2. _Charge flows at a greater rate through the single bulb than through the two bulbs.
3. _The single bulb shines brighter than either bulb in the two-bulb circuit.
4. _The total resistance of the two bulbs is greater than that of a single bulb.
5. _A compass would show a larger deflection for Figure 2a than for 2b.

Homework Equations


If they have both have 1 bulb, and one is charging and one is discharging, would they have the same flow rate and brightness?

The Attempt at a Solution


a. I think the one with two bulbs will be dimmer than the one with one bulb because there is less resistance. So it will have 4 lines each while the one with one bulb will have 6.

b. 1) F, I think this is because there will be less charge without the battery there.
2) T, because the one with two bulbs had to pass through a resistor 2 times.
3) T, because there is only one bulb. (but i don't get how that works)
4) T
5) T, because there is a battery while the one that is discharging does not. (I'm thinking that there is going to be more charge in the battery than the capacitor)
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
"A capacitor is charged through two bulbs" means what? How are the two bulbs and the capacitor wired? Are the two bulbs in parallel or in series?

Perhaps you could attach the figures mentioned?
 

What is a capacitor?

A capacitor is an electronic component that is used to store and release electrical energy. It is made up of two conductive plates separated by an insulating material, known as a dielectric.

How does a capacitor work?

A capacitor works by storing electric charge on its plates. When a voltage is applied, the charge accumulates on one plate, causing an electric field to form between the plates. The capacitor can then release this stored energy when needed.

What are the different types of capacitors?

There are several types of capacitors, including ceramic, electrolytic, film, and variable capacitors. Each type has its own unique properties and is used for different applications.

What factors affect the capacitance of a capacitor?

The capacitance of a capacitor is affected by the surface area of the plates, the distance between the plates, and the type of dielectric used. The capacitance can also be affected by the temperature and frequency of the applied voltage.

How are capacitors used in electronic circuits?

Capacitors are commonly used in electronic circuits for various purposes, including filtering, smoothing, and energy storage. They are also used in timing circuits, power supplies, and audio equipment.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
268
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
913
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
766
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
20
Views
409
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
318
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
1K
Back
Top