Question

In the circuit below 1 c = 20f , 2 c = 40f and 3 c = 50f. If no capacitor can sustain more than 50 v, then maximum potential difference between x and y is

Answer 1

Answer:

Explanation:

Let the charge on each capacitor be q

thus the potential  against each capacitor will be (q is in micro coulomb)across C1 capacitor = q/20 Vacross C2 capacitor  =q/40 Vacross C3 capacitor = q/50 Vas we can see for same charge on each capacitor as they are connected in series , the capacitor  C1has maximum potential drop, which according to the situation can be 50Vso q/20 = 50so q = 1000 micro coulombso the potential drop against C2 capacitor = 1000/40 = 25 voltswhile the potential drop against C3 capacitor will be 1000/50 = 20 voltshence as all the capacitors are in series so the potential difference across X and Y = 50 +25 +20 = 95volts

Answer 2

Let the charge on each capacitor be q

thus the potential against each capacitor will be (q is in micro coulomb)across C1 capacitor = q/20 Vacross C2 capacitor =q/40 Vacross C3 capacitor = q/50 Vas we can see for same charge on each capacitor as they are connected in series , the capacitor C1has maximum potential drop, which according to the situation can be 50Vso q/20 = 50so q = 1000 micro coulombso the potential drop against C2 capacitor = 1000/40 = 25 voltswhile the potential drop against C3 capacitor will be 1000/50 = 20 voltshence as all the capacitors are in series so the potential difference across X and Y = 50 +25 +20 = 95volts