What is the initial charge on capacitor C1?

In summary, the initial charge on capacitor C1 is the amount of electric charge stored on the capacitor before any current flows through it. It can be calculated by multiplying the capacitance of the capacitor (C1) by the initial voltage across it (V1). This initial charge can be affected by factors such as capacitance, voltage, and dielectric material, as well as temperature and external interference. It is important to know the initial charge as it allows for energy calculation, circuit behavior determination, and proper circuit design and troubleshooting. The initial charge can be changed by altering capacitance or voltage, introducing external factors, or discharging and recharging the capacitor.
  • #1
chiurox
35
0

Homework Statement



A 7.50 F capacitor, C1, is initially connected to a 90.0 V battery and is given a charge Q. The capacitor is disconnected from the battery and then connected to an initially uncharged capacitor, C2. Assume the two capacitors are connected such that the positive plates of each are connected and the negative plates of each are connected. The voltage across both capacitors C1 and C2 drops to 12 V after they are connected.

a. What is the initial charge on capacitor C1?
b. What are the charges on capacitors C1 and C2?
c. What is the capacitance of capacitor C2?

Homework Equations



q=CV

The Attempt at a Solution


a. q=CV
c1=7.5
V=90
q=675 C ok, this one was easy

but I'm stuck in part b of the question. Will the charges be the same or not?
This is what I'm trying to do:
q1 + q2 = (7.5 + C_2)12
675 + q2 = 90 + 12C_2
 
Last edited:
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  • #2
If the two capacitors are only connected to each other, the voltages across each will be the same. Since V = Q/C , the charges will not be the same unless both capacitances are equal. (Given the context of the problem, I suspect they are not.) With the voltages being equal, you will be able to find a proportionality between the charges on the two capacitors.

BTW, is the capacitance of C1 supposed to be milli-farads or micro-farads or something? There's a character in the first line of the problem that doesn't show on this board. I ask because I doubt the charge on C1 is 675 Coulombs...
 
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  • #3
Yes, now I figured out, according to the context, that they aren't equal, but I think there are many combinations for q2 and c2 that will make V=12... so I think I should leave them in variables?
 
  • #4
chiurox said:
Yes, now I figured out, according to the context, that they aren't equal, but I think there are many combinations for q2 and c2 that will make V=12... so I think I should leave them in variables?

You now know that Q1/C1 = Q2/C2 and that Q1 + Q2 = 675 (micro?)Coulombs . (Charge is conserved, so whatever charge was on C1 when it was transferred from the battery has to now be shared with C2. There is a unique solution.)
 
  • #5
Oh right... After doing the calculations:
Q1/7.5=12
Q1=90microC
Q2=585microC
C2 = (585/12)= 48.75microFarad
correct?
 
  • #6
That looks right. :)
 

What is the initial charge on capacitor C1?

The initial charge on capacitor C1 refers to the amount of electric charge stored on the capacitor before any current flows through it.

How is the initial charge on capacitor C1 calculated?

The initial charge on capacitor C1 can be calculated by multiplying the capacitance of the capacitor (C1) by the initial voltage across it (V1). This can be represented by the equation Q = C1 * V1.

What factors can affect the initial charge on capacitor C1?

The initial charge on capacitor C1 can be affected by the capacitance of the capacitor, the initial voltage across it, and the dielectric material used in the capacitor. Other factors such as temperature and external interference can also impact the initial charge.

Why is it important to know the initial charge on capacitor C1?

Knowing the initial charge on capacitor C1 is important because it allows for the calculation of the energy stored in the capacitor and helps determine the behavior of the circuit it is a part of. It also helps with proper circuit design and troubleshooting.

Can the initial charge on capacitor C1 be changed?

Yes, the initial charge on capacitor C1 can be changed by altering the capacitance or voltage across the capacitor, or by introducing external factors such as temperature or interference. It can also be discharged and recharged to a different initial charge.

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