Why is the 10 μF capacitor causing extreme confusion?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the confusion surrounding the notation of a 10 μF capacitor and its implications in a circuit. Participants clarify that 10^-5 refers to 10 μF, not 10^-6, and emphasize that the equal sign in the context of maximum voltage is appropriate. The conversation also highlights the behavior of capacitors in series, where the capacitor with the least capacitance experiences the highest voltage. This understanding is crucial for calculating the charge and voltage across each capacitor in the series.

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  • Basic knowledge of electrical circuits, particularly series circuits.
  • Familiarity with voltage, charge, and capacitance relationships.
  • Ability to interpret mathematical expressions involving powers of ten.
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Electronics students, electrical engineers, and hobbyists working with capacitors and circuit design who seek to clarify their understanding of capacitor behavior and notation.

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Homework Statement



[PLAIN]http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/6946/unledyh.png


My question is

1) What in the world is 10^-5 ? Shouldn't it be 10^-6?
2) I know they already explained why it is the 10uF Capacitor, but could someone massage it further for me? I am an idiot

Also, I know I being picky, but shouldn't it be an inequality sign of [tex]\leq[/tex]
 
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1) 10-5 = 10 × 10-6. I presume the units should be μF. I'd take a point from the person writing the solutions. LOL !

It's an equal sign because they asked for the maximum.

Added in Edit:

After more carefully reading the statement about the capacitors, I agree that the answer should have the inequality you suggested.

It doesn't say that can each withstand 100V, it says none can withstand more than 100V.
 
Last edited:
I would approach this a bit differently.

Since the capacitors are in series, each will have the same charge. Therefore, the one with the least capacitance (the 10 μF capacitor) will have the greatest voltage (potential) across it, namely 100 Volts. Use this to find the charge on the 10 μF capacitor, and thus each of the others. Then find the voltage across each of them and take the sum.
 

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