A network of four $10\mu F$ capacitors is connected to a $500 ext{ V}$ supply. Three capacitors ($C

Question

A network of four $10\mu F$ capacitors is connected to a $500	ext{ V}$ supply. Three capacitors ($C_1, C_2, C_3$) are in series, and this combination is in parallel with the fourth ($C_4$). What is the charge on capacitor $C_1$?

Professor PC Thomas Classes · Answer

The series combination of $C_1, C_2, C_3$ has an equivalent capacitance of $10/3 \mu F$. The voltage across this series combination is $500	ext{ V}$. Charge on each series capacitor $Q_1 = Q_2 = Q_3 = C'V = (10/3 	imes 10^{-6}) 	imes 500 = 1.67 	imes 10^{-3}	ext{ C} \approx 1.7 	imes 10^{-3}	ext{ C}$.