Find the Capacitance when the switch is closed

In summary, the switch being closed causes the potential to drop to 40V across both capacitors in parallel series. The capacitance of C2 can be found by using the equation Q=Q1+Q2 and solving for Q2, then using the equation C=Q2/V to find the capacitance. The switch starts off to the right and moves to the left. The charge remains constant, but the total capacitance changes when the switch is made.
  • #1
SalsaOnMyTaco
32
0

Homework Statement



When the switch is closed, Potential drops to 40v across C1 & C2(Parallel series). Find the Capacitance of C2

Homework Equations


Before switch is closed
C1=300uF and holds a charge of Q1=3e4 uC V=100vAfter switch is closed
V'=40v

The Attempt at a Solution


V1=V2

So Q1/C1=Q2/C2
Q=Q1+Q2
How could I find the charge on C2?
 
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  • #2
SalsaOnMyTaco said:

Homework Statement



When the switch is closed, Potential drops to 40v across C1 & C2(Parallel series). Find the Capacitance of C2

Homework Equations


Before switch is closed
C1=300uF and holds a charge of Q1=3e4 uC V=100v


After switch is closed
V'=40v


The Attempt at a Solution


V1=V2

So Q1/C1=Q2/C2
Q=Q1+Q2
How could I find the charge on C2?

Might be useful if there was an indication how the capacitors and the switch are connected to each other.
 
  • #3
jaIxytR.jpg
 
  • #4
SalsaOnMyTaco said:
jaIxytR.jpg

SO where is the switch?
 
  • #5
2ciTXkP.jpg
 
  • #6
That's a two way switch so the concept of it being "open" or "closed" is meaningless. However in this case it's clear they mean it starts off to the right and moves to the left.

V1=V2 is incorrect (they even tell you it falls to 40V). It's the charge that stays constant.

Edit: Ah I see you what you mean about V1=V2. You are correct but that's irrelevant really. The charge is constant but the total capacitance changes when the switch is made.
 
Last edited:
  • #7
I've solve it

Q=q1+q2

if q1=12,000

30,000-12,000=q2

q2=18,000

so C=q2/v

C=450uF
 

Related to Find the Capacitance when the switch is closed

1. What is capacitance?

Capacitance is a measure of an object's ability to store electric charge. It is measured in units of Farads (F) and is denoted by the symbol C.

2. How do you find the capacitance when the switch is closed?

To find the capacitance when the switch is closed, you can use the formula C = Q/V, where C is capacitance, Q is charge and V is voltage. You will need to know the values of charge and voltage before and after the switch is closed.

3. What happens to the capacitance when the switch is closed?

When the switch is closed, the capacitance remains the same as it is a property of the capacitor. However, the charge and voltage may change, which will affect the overall value of capacitance.

4. Can you find the capacitance without knowing the charge and voltage?

No, in order to find the capacitance, you will need to know the values of charge and voltage. Without this information, the capacitance cannot be calculated.

5. What factors affect the capacitance when the switch is closed?

The capacitance when the switch is closed is affected by the material and size of the capacitor, as well as the distance between the plates and the dielectric material between them. Additionally, the charge and voltage applied to the capacitor can also impact the capacitance.

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