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 battery is connected across points A and B, with the positive terminal at A. An upper branch consists of a capacitor and an capacitor in series, with point C situated between them. A lower branch consists of a capacitor and a capacitor in series, with point D situated between them. The and capacitors are connected to A, while the and capacitors are connected to B. If an additional capacitor is connected between points C and D, what charge will appear on this capacitor?


Options
- A
- B
- C
- D
Correct answer
C.
Step-by-step solution
The circuit can be analyzed by finding the potentials at points C and D. Let the potential at B be , then the potential at A is .
In the upper branch, the and capacitors are in series. The equivalent capacitance is:
The charge on the upper branch is:
The potential difference across the capacitor is:
In the lower branch, the and capacitors are in series. The equivalent capacitance is:
The charge on the lower branch is:
The potential difference across the capacitor is:
Since , we have .
Alternatively, the circuit forms a Wheatstone bridge. The ratio of capacitances in the upper branch is , and in the lower branch is . 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 (), no charge will appear on any additional capacitor connected between these two points. Thus, the charge is .
In the upper branch, the and capacitors are in series. The equivalent capacitance is:
The charge on the upper branch is:
The potential difference across the capacitor is:
In the lower branch, the and capacitors are in series. The equivalent capacitance is:
The charge on the lower branch is:
The potential difference across the capacitor is:
Since , we have .
Alternatively, the circuit forms a Wheatstone bridge. The ratio of capacitances in the upper branch is , and in the lower branch is . 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 (), no charge will appear on any additional capacitor connected between these two points. Thus, the charge is .