Re: [Phys-l] Capacitance problem

[mrmeyer@mtu.edu]

John -

I don't disagree with anything you said - for the first time through the
sequence when the capacitors are uncharged.  I get stuck starting on the
2nd iteration...because at that point, the top plate of the top capacitor
has a charge different than the bottom plate.

Mike

> On 03/25/2008 12:30 PM, mrmeyer@mtu.edu wrote:
> > I've been told that this problem is not analytically solvable
>
> Don't believe everything you are told.
>
> It's a *linear* problem already.  You should be able to solve
> it on the back of a very small envelope.
>
> For starters, you should be able to figure out the asymptotic
> behavior.  You should be able to figure this out in your head,
> in less time than it takes to talk about it.
>
> > which is
> > interesting because it's a simple circuit that could be wired up and
> > tested...which we're doing now.
> >
> > http://www.phy.mtu.edu/~suits/PH2260/CapProblem.pdf
>
> 1) Your components will last longer if you put some resistance
> in series with the switches.  This will not affect the outcome,
> if you allow things to settle for a time long compared to RC.
>
> 2) You should be able to do the mathematical analysis in less
> time than it takes to build the circuit.  Nothing more than
> high-school algebra is required.
>
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