What is the potential difference Vad-Vac?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the potential difference Vad-Vac in a circuit involving capacitors. The initial potential difference applied is Vab = +210 V. The equivalent capacitance of the series configuration is determined to be 4 x 10-6 F. The charge on the capacitors is calculated using Q = CV, resulting in a total charge of 8.4 x 10-4 C. Ultimately, the potential differences are found to be Vad = 140 V and Vac = 70 V, leading to the conclusion that Vad - Vac = 70 V.

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1. The problem statement
The capacitors in the figure are initially uncharged and are connected, as in the diagram, with switch S open. The applied potential difference is Vab = + 210 V.

What is the potential difference Vcd?

YF-24-60.jpg


Homework Equations


(series) 1/C = 1/c1 + 1/c2 + ...
(parallel) C = c1 + c2 + ...
C=Q/V

The Attempt at a Solution


Trying to find Vcd:
I first found the equivalent capacitance of the series, which is 4*10-6 F. I calculated the charge on the capacitors using Q = CV, which was 8.4*10-4. Then, I tried to find Vad and Vac by using V=Q/C. I don't think this is the right way to do this problem though.
 
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That looks like the way to do it as far as you went.
 
Ah, I figured it out. The upper and lower series each have half the value of the charge that I calculated. Then using V=QC, Vad=140V and Vac=70V, so Vad-Vac=70V.
 

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