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I was going through some practice problems in a physics text and could not for the life of me figure out how to solve this one.
The problem is as follows:
The variable capacitance of a radio tuner consists of six plates connected together placed alternatively between six other plates, also connected together. Each plate is separated from its neighbor by 1.1mm of air. One set of plates can move so that the area of overlap varies from 1cm^2 to 9cm^2.
Are they connected in series or parallel?
I thought each group of 6 is in series, and if these two plates are alternating with each other, then the whole thing is in series because it would affect the charge distribution. if one plate was: + - + - + - and the other plate was alternated between the first one, wouldnt it orient its charges so as not to hinder the flow of current?
The answer says they are in parallel.
Any thoughts why?
Thank you in advance for any insight!
The problem is as follows:
The variable capacitance of a radio tuner consists of six plates connected together placed alternatively between six other plates, also connected together. Each plate is separated from its neighbor by 1.1mm of air. One set of plates can move so that the area of overlap varies from 1cm^2 to 9cm^2.
Are they connected in series or parallel?
I thought each group of 6 is in series, and if these two plates are alternating with each other, then the whole thing is in series because it would affect the charge distribution. if one plate was: + - + - + - and the other plate was alternated between the first one, wouldnt it orient its charges so as not to hinder the flow of current?
The answer says they are in parallel.
Any thoughts why?
Thank you in advance for any insight!
