Capacitor charged and disconnected then connected to capacitors

In summary, initially a 15uF capacitor is charged by a 100V battery. After being disconnected, it is connected in parallel to two uncharged capacitors (C_2 = 20uF, C_3 = 30uF), which have a combined capacitance of 12uF and a charge of 1.2mC. The total charge remains constant at 0.0015 Coulombs, but the voltage across the combination of capacitors decreases to 55.56 volts. This explains the difference in charge between the individual capacitors and the combination.
  • #1
careless25
7
0
Initially, a 15uF capacitor is charged by a 100V battery. Once charged, it is disconnected from the battery and connected to two uncharged capacitors(C_2 = 20uF, C_3 = 30uF) in parallel. What is the charge and potential difference on each capacitor.

(The two capacitors mentioned above are in series to each other but parallel to the charged capacitor.)

So, I found out the Q on C_1 as being 1.5mC when fully charged.

Now since they are in parallel the voltage across the two uncharged capacitors is 100V.
I find the equivalent capacitor of those two as 12uF and the charge being 1.2mC.

Now I am confused about how there is 1.5mC on C_1 but just 1.2mC on the two capacitors in series.
Shouldn't the charge across the whole circuit be the same? Or am I mistaken?
 
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  • #2
When you add the extra capacitors, the voltage on the combination will drop.

I make the series combination 12 μF and the parallel combination 27 μF when you add the 15 μF.

The charge must be constant,

Initial charge = Q = C * V = 0.000015 Farads * 100 volts = 0.0015 Coulombs, as you said.

So, the new voltage will be Q = C * V

or 0.0015 Coulombs = 0.000027 Farads * V volts

V= 55.56 volts
 

Related to Capacitor charged and disconnected then connected to capacitors

1. What is a capacitor?

A capacitor is an electronic component that stores and releases electrical energy. It consists of two conductive plates separated by an insulating material, called a dielectric. When a voltage is applied to a capacitor, it charges up and stores energy in the form of an electric field between the plates.

2. How does a capacitor charge and discharge?

When a capacitor is connected to a power source, such as a battery, the electrons from the negative terminal of the source flow onto one plate of the capacitor, while an equal number of electrons flow off the other plate and onto the positive terminal of the source. This creates an electric field between the plates and the capacitor becomes charged. To discharge the capacitor, it is disconnected from the power source and the stored energy is released.

3. What happens if a charged capacitor is disconnected and then reconnected to another capacitor?

If a charged capacitor is disconnected from its power source and then connected to another capacitor, the two capacitors will share the charge that was stored in the first capacitor. The amount of charge on each capacitor will depend on their respective capacitances.

4. Can a capacitor be charged and discharged indefinitely?

No, a capacitor has a limited ability to store and release energy. It can only charge and discharge a certain number of times before its performance degrades. This is due to factors such as internal resistance and dielectric breakdown.

5. How are capacitors used in electronic circuits?

Capacitors have a variety of uses in electronic circuits. They can be used to filter out unwanted frequencies, store energy, and stabilize voltage levels. They are also commonly used in timing circuits and to smooth out fluctuations in power supplies.

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