Charge on Capacitors in Series After Switch Flipped

In summary, when a capacitor, a resistor, and another capacitor are connected in series, the charge on each capacitor as a function of time can be calculated using the equations Q_1 = Q_{0}e^{-t(C_{1}+C_{2})/RC_{1}C_{2}}, V_1 = Q_{0}e^{-t(C_{1}+C_{2})/RC_{1}C_{2}}/C_{1}, and Q_2 = C_{2}/C_{1}(Q_{0}e^{-t(C_{1}+C_{2})/RC_{1}C_{2}})(1-e^{-t(C_{1}+C_{2})
  • #1
eridanus
10
0
A capacitor, a resistor, and another capacitor is connected in series. The first capacitor, C_1, has an initial charge of Q_0, and C_2 is initially uncharged. The switch is flipped at t=0, what is the charge on each capacitor as a function of time?

So I thought
[tex]
Q_1 = Q_{0}e^{-t(C_{1}+C_{2})/RC_{1}C_{2}}
[/tex]

[tex]
V_1 = Q_{0}e^{-t(C_{1}+C_{2})/RC_{1}C_{2}}/C_{1}
[/tex]

[tex]
Q_2 = C_{2}/C_{1}(Q_{0}e^{-t(C_{1}+C_{2})/RC_{1}C_{2}})(1-e^{-t(C_{1}+C_{2})/RC_{1}C_{2}})
[/tex]
but this is apparently wrong

where am I messing up?
thanks.
 
Last edited:
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  • #2
Is the configuration ---C1----R---C2 ---- ?

as opposed to


Vin-----C1---+---C2--- Vout
|
R
|
----------+---------​

The charge diminishes on C1, but increases on C2, so the solution cannot be exp(-At), which would go to zero at t = infinity. The solution must go to some constant, and the charge would be partitioned according to the relative capacitances.
 
Last edited:
  • #3
this is the diagram given
http://www.columbia.edu/~kqc2101/circuit.gif

so for Q_2 what would be the voltage drop V that charges C_2 in the equation
[tex]
Q=CV(1-e^{-t/\tau})
[/tex]
?
 
Last edited by a moderator:

What is the charge on capacitors in series after the switch is flipped?

The charge on capacitors in series after the switch is flipped will depend on the total capacitance of the circuit and the voltage applied. The charge on each capacitor will be equal, as they are connected in series, and can be calculated using the formula Q = CV, where Q is the charge, C is the capacitance, and V is the voltage.

How does the charge on capacitors in series change when the switch is flipped?

When the switch is flipped, the charge on capacitors in series will redistribute, with the total charge remaining the same. The charge on each capacitor will be affected by the capacitance and voltage of the other capacitors in the series circuit.

What is the relationship between the charge on capacitors in series and their capacitance?

The charge on capacitors in series is directly proportional to their capacitance. This means that as the capacitance increases, the charge on the capacitors will also increase, and vice versa.

How does the voltage affect the charge on capacitors in series?

The voltage applied to a series circuit of capacitors will determine the amount of charge stored on each capacitor. As the voltage increases, the charge on the capacitors will also increase, following the formula Q = CV.

Can the charge on capacitors in series be negative?

Yes, the charge on capacitors in series can be negative if the voltage applied to the circuit is negative. This means that the capacitors are storing a negative charge, which can affect the overall behavior of the circuit.

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