Three capacitors are wired between terminals A and B as follows
PHYSICS · Multi-part · AP · Physics 2: Algebra-based · Electric Force Field and Potential · Electric Force Field and Potential
Problem
Three capacitors are wired between terminals A and B as follows. Capacitor C1=2μF is connected directly between A and an intermediate junction J. From J, one branch leads through capacitor C2=4μF to terminal B, while a second branch leads back to A through capacitor C3=3μF. The network is then connected to an ideal 9 V dc source.
Assume that all capacitors are initially uncharged.
(a) Identify which pair(s) of capacitors share the same magnitude of charge once the circuit reaches steady state. Explain your reasoning by referring to potential‐difference constraints in the circuit.
(b) Describe, step by step, how the given arrangement can be replaced by a single equivalent capacitance between terminals A and B. In your explanation, explicitly state for each step whether you are combining elements that are in series or elements that are in parallel, and justify each identification qualitatively.
(c) Calculate the numerical value of the equivalent capacitance obtained in part (b). Show all work and include appropriate units.
(d) Determine the charge stored on each physical capacitor after the circuit has been connected to the 9 V source for a long time. Provide a brief justification for the distribution of potential differences you assume in your calculation.