Capacitor C1 is in series with capacitors C2 and C3 in parallel. Then three capacitor system is connected to battery with V0. Determine the charge stored by C1 when C1 = 20 μF, C2 = 10 μF, C3 = 30 μF, and V0 = 18 V. g

  Q₁ = 2.4 10⁻⁴ C

Explanation:

We have a circuit with several capacitors, let's find the equivalent capacitor of the parallel

    = C₂ + C₃

    C_{eq1} = (10 +30) 10⁻⁶

    C_{eq1} = 40 10⁻⁶ F

There remains a series system between C₁ and C_{eq1}, let's find the equivalent capacitor

     1/C_{eq2} = 1 / C₁ + 1 / C_{eq1}

     1 /C_{eq2} = 1 / 20 10⁻⁶ + 1/40 10⁻⁶

     1 / C_{eq2} = 0.075 10⁶

     C_{eq2} = 13.33 10⁻⁶ F

let's use the relationship

        V = Q / C_{eq2}

        Q = V C_{eq2}

        Q = 18  13.33 10⁻⁶

        Q = 2.4 10⁻⁴ C

In a combination of capacitors in series the charge is constant, so the charge on C₁ is the same

        Q₁ = 2.4 10⁻⁴ C

hypothesising or postulating

false br