Capacitors in Series and Parallel Calculations

Capacitors also like resistors can be connected either in series, parallel, and or combinations of both. Their calculations are opposite to that of Resistors. That is; if they are in series, they will be treat as resistors in parallel and vice –versa.

In this article, we will consider capacitors in series and parallel calculations.

CAPACITORS IN SERIES

In this post we will be looking at Capacitors in series calculations. Capacitors in series are connected end to end so that the same charge (Q) appears across each of them. Meanwhile, in this connection, different potential difference (Pd) appears across each of the capacitors. The sum of voltage drops across each of the capacitor is equal to the potential difference (Pd) applied to the whole circuit.

The figure below shows three capacitors in series. Each has charge of the same magnitude  on its plates, in agreement with principles of conservation of charge.…… Example; two capacitors, one of 10µF and the other 30µF are in series connection across the terminals of a 12V battery. Find the equivalent capacitance of the combination, the potential difference across……… Solution∴   = 7.5××12 Q = 9.0×Coulomb (C)…….READ THIS IN DETAIL

CAPACITORS IN PARALLEL

Capacitors in parallel are connect side by side and their terminals joined together. Therefore, the same applied potential difference (Pd) appears across each of them but each has a different magnitude of charge (Q) across it.

The same potential difference is across all of them, so that……… The total charge  on either the positive or negative plates of the capacitors is equal to the charge Q on the corresponding plates of the equivalent capacitor. And hence… Example; two capacitors are connected in parallel. The first has 10µF and the second has 20µF capacitance and 12V potential.. The equivalent capacitance here is  = 10µF+20µF = 30µF….. The charges on the plates of the respective capacitors have the magnitudes;  = 1××12…….READ THIS IN DETAIL

READ ALSO THESE

What are Capacitors / Types of Capacitors / Polarized Capacitors / Non Polarized Capacitors / Variable Capacitors / Capacitors in Parallel Calculations

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