Assignment:
The figure employs a convention often used in circuit diagrams. The battery (or other power supply) is not shown explicitly. It is understood that the point at the top, labeled "18.0 V," is connected to the positive terminal of a 18.0 V battery having negligible internal resistance, and that the "ground" symbol at the bottom is connected to the negative terminal of the battery. The circuit is completed through the battery, even though it is not shown on the diagram.
1.) What is the potential of point a with respect to point b in the figure when switch S is open?
2.) Which point, a or b, is at the higher potential?
3.) What is the final potential of point b with respect to ground when switch S is closed?
4.) How much does the charge on each capacitor change when S is closed?
