Fundamentals of Physics Extended (10th Edition)

Published by Wiley
ISBN 10: 1-11823-072-8
ISBN 13: 978-1-11823-072-5

Chapter 25 - Capacitance - Problems - Page 744: 73

Answer

$V_A-V_B = 5.25~V$

Work Step by Step

We can find the potential difference across $C_1$: $V_1 = \frac{30~\mu C}{10~\mu F} = 3.0~V$ Since $C_2$ is in parallel with $C_1$. the potential difference across $C_2$ is also $3.0~V$ We can find the charge on $C_2$: $q = C_2~V_2 = (20~\mu F)(3.0~V) = 60~\mu C$ The total charge on $C_1$ and $C_2$ is $90~\mu C$. This must also be the total charge on $C_3$ and $C_4$ Since $C_3=C_4$, by symmetry, they must each have half of the total charge. We can find the potential difference across $C_3$: $V_3 = \frac{q_3}{C_3} = \frac{45~\mu C}{20~\mu F} = 2.25~V$ We can find the magnitude of the potential difference $V_A - V_B$: $V_A-V_B = 3.0~V+2.25~V = 5.25~V$
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