How Do Dielectrics and Resistance Affect Capacitor Networks?

[lauren_ayala]

Homework Statement

For the capacitor network shown in the figure attached, the potential difference across ab is 220 V.

Find the total charge stored in this network.
Find the charge on each capacitor.
Find the total energy stored in the network.
Find the energy stored in each capacitor.

Homework Equations

U = q^2/2C
Q = CV
I really think I need more guidance as far as the correct equations to use for this problem. That's where I need to start I suppose.

The Attempt at a Solution

 

[jbsteele]

I've tried a few different equations, but I don't seem to be getting the right answers. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Moetasim]

I would first start by understanding the concept of dielectrics and resistance. Dielectrics are materials that do not conduct electricity, but can become polarized when placed in an electric field. This polarization affects the capacitance of a capacitor, increasing it compared to a vacuum or air-filled capacitor. Resistance, on the other hand, is a measure of how much a material opposes the flow of electric current. In this context, it refers to the resistance of the conductive material in the capacitor network.

To solve this problem, we can use the equations provided in the homework statement. The first equation, U = q^2/2C, relates the energy stored in a capacitor (U) to its charge (q) and capacitance (C). The second equation, Q = CV, relates the charge on a capacitor (Q) to its capacitance (C) and the potential difference (V) across it.

To find the total charge stored in the network, we can use the second equation and add up the charges on each capacitor. To find the charge on each capacitor, we can use the first equation and solve for q, using the known values of U and C for each capacitor.

To find the total energy stored in the network, we can use the first equation and add up the energies stored in each capacitor. To find the energy stored in each capacitor, we can simply plug in the values of q and C for each capacitor into the first equation.

It is important to note that the values of capacitance and potential difference may change if dielectric materials are present in the capacitors. In this case, the equations used may need to be modified to account for the effects of dielectrics on capacitance. Additionally, the resistance of the conductive materials in the network may also affect the calculations, but this can be accounted for by using the appropriate equations for calculating resistance.