Ranking capacitors by the potential difference across them.

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on ranking capacitors C1, C2, and C3 based on their potential differences in a circuit configuration. Capacitors C2 and C3 are in parallel, while C1 is in series with their equivalent capacitance. The user understands conceptually that the voltage across C1 is greater than that across C2 and C3, which share the same voltage. However, they seek mathematical validation for this ranking and clarification on the equivalent capacitance of C2 and C3. The conversation emphasizes the importance of correctly calculating the equivalent capacitance to determine the voltage distribution accurately.
dswatson
Messages
36
Reaction score
0
I have a circuit that is in a read only file so I can't get an image on here so I will try to create it on here


B-battery
C-capacitor


----C1-------------
l.....l...l
B...C2...C3
l.....l...l
--------------------

Ignore the periods (.) because they are just place holders. The lower case L (l) are vertical wires and the dashs (-) are horizontal wires
Ok so here I have C2 and C3 in parallel and C1 is in series with the equivalent of C2 + C3

C1=3C
C2=C
C3=5C

I am supposed to rank these from largest to smallest using their potential differences. Conceptually I know that V1>V2=V3 and I can explain it, the voltage splits evenly across C2 and C3 and C1~2C2, if I am thinking correctly. I have to show this mathematically and I'm not sure how to go about doing so. If someone could help me I would greatly appreciate it.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
hi dswatson! :smile:

(try using the X2 icon just above the Reply box :wink:)
dswatson said:
C1=3C
C2=C
C3=5C

I am supposed to rank these from largest to smallest using their potential differences. Conceptually I know that V1>V2=V3 and I can explain it, the voltage splits evenly across C2 and C3 and C1~2C2, if I am thinking correctly. I have to show this mathematically …

saying the voltage splits evenly across C2 and C3 is slightly missing the point …

the voltage is the same across C2 and C3, because it is always the same between any two particular points, no matter which path you take

what do you mean by "C1~2C2"? :confused:

you need to find the equivalent capacitance of C2 and C3 combined …

what is it? :smile:​
 

Thread 'Errors and significant figures'

I multiplied the values first without the error limit. Got 19.38. rounded it off to 2 significant figures since the given data has 2 significant figures. So = 19. For error I used the above formula. It comes out about 1.48. Now my question is. Should I write the answer as 19±1.5 (rounding 1.48 to 2 significant figures) OR should I write it as 19±1. So in short, should the error have same number of significant figures as the mean value or should it have the same number of decimal places as...
View full post »
Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'

Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'

Let's declare that for the cylinder, mass = M = 10 kg Radius = R = 4 m For the wall and the floor, Friction coeff = ##\mu## = 0.5 For the hanging mass, mass = m = 11 kg First, we divide the force according to their respective plane (x and y thing, correct me if I'm wrong) and according to which, cylinder or the hanging mass, they're working on. Force on the hanging mass $$mg - T = ma$$ Force(Cylinder) on y $$N_f + f_w - Mg = 0$$ Force(Cylinder) on x $$T + f_f - N_w = Ma$$ There's also...
View full post »

Similar threads

Calculating the voltage across capacitors and resistors with switches
Replies
2
Views
730
LC oscillations - two capacitors and an inductor
Replies
15
Views
535
Find the maximum potential difference across a series circuit
Replies
11
Views
4K
Potential Difference over Capacitors in Series
Replies
6
Views
3K
Non-Complex Capacitor Potential Difference question
Replies
9
Views
2K
Energy stored in Capacitor Network
Replies
2
Views
13K
Potential difference across capacitor in a network
Replies
8
Views
7K
Find the equivalent capacitance of the circuit
Replies
12
Views
2K
Capacitor in series voltage problem
Replies
19
Views
3K
A confusing question on capacitors and voltages across them
Replies
5
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top