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Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 2]
Exam
Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 2]
Subject
Physics
Chapter
Capacitors

Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 2] · Physics · Capacitors

In a circuit, a 50 V battery is connected across points A and B,...

In a circuit, a 50 V50\text{ V} battery is connected across points A and B, with the positive terminal at A. An upper branch consists of a 4μF4\mu\text{F} capacitor and an 8μF8\mu\text{F} capacitor in series, with point C situated between them. A lower branch consists of a 3μF3\mu\text{F} capacitor and a 6μF6\mu\text{F} capacitor in series, with point D situated between them. The 4μF4\mu\text{F} and 3μF3\mu\text{F} capacitors are connected to A, while the 8μF8\mu\text{F} and 6μF6\mu\text{F} capacitors are connected to B. If an additional capacitor is connected between points C and D, what charge will appear on this capacitor?
In a circuit, a 50 V battery is connected across points A and B, with the positive terminal at A. An upper branch

Options

  1. A50μC50\mu\text{C}
  2. B25μC25\mu\text{C}
  3. C00
  4. D100μC100\mu\text{C}

Correct answer

C. 00

Step-by-step solution

The circuit can be analyzed by finding the potentials at points C and D. Let the potential at B be 0 V0\text{ V}, then the potential at A is 50 V50\text{ V}.

In the upper branch, the 4μF4\mu\text{F} and 8μF8\mu\text{F} capacitors are in series. The equivalent capacitance is:
Cupper=4×84+8=3212=83μFC_{upper} = \dfrac{4 \times 8}{4 + 8} = \dfrac{32}{12} = \dfrac{8}{3}\mu\text{F}

The charge on the upper branch is:
Qupper=Cupper×V=83×50=4003μCQ_{upper} = C_{upper} \times V = \dfrac{8}{3} \times 50 = \dfrac{400}{3}\mu\text{C}

The potential difference across the 4μF4\mu\text{F} capacitor is:
VA−VC=Qupper4μF=400/34=1003 VV_A - V_C = \dfrac{Q_{upper}}{4\mu\text{F}} = \dfrac{400/3}{4} = \dfrac{100}{3}\text{ V}

In the lower branch, the 3μF3\mu\text{F} and 6μF6\mu\text{F} capacitors are in series. The equivalent capacitance is:
Clower=3×63+6=189=2μFC_{lower} = \dfrac{3 \times 6}{3 + 6} = \dfrac{18}{9} = 2\mu\text{F}

The charge on the lower branch is:
Qlower=Clower×V=2×50=100μCQ_{lower} = C_{lower} \times V = 2 \times 50 = 100\mu\text{C}

The potential difference across the 3μF3\mu\text{F} capacitor is:
VA−VD=Qlower3μF=1003 VV_A - V_D = \dfrac{Q_{lower}}{3\mu\text{F}} = \dfrac{100}{3}\text{ V}

Since VA−VC=VA−VD=1003 VV_A - V_C = V_A - V_D = \dfrac{100}{3}\text{ V}, we have VC=VDV_C = V_D.

Alternatively, the circuit forms a Wheatstone bridge. The ratio of capacitances in the upper branch is 48=12\dfrac{4}{8} = \dfrac{1}{2}, and in the lower branch is 36=12\dfrac{3}{6} = \dfrac{1}{2}. Since the ratios are equal, the bridge is balanced, meaning points C and D are at the same potential.

Because the potential difference between C and D is zero (VC−VD=0V_C - V_D = 0), no charge will appear on any additional capacitor connected between these two points. Thus, the charge is 00.
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