Series Capacitance: C1, C2 at 1000V - Calc Total, Charge & PD

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around two capacitors, C1 and C2, connected in series and subjected to a voltage of 1000V. Participants are exploring the calculations for equivalent capacitance, total charge, and the potential difference across each capacitor.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply the formula for equivalent capacitance in series but expresses confusion regarding the calculation of total charge and voltage distribution across the capacitors. Some participants suggest using the relationship between charge and voltage for capacitors in series, while others clarify that the charge remains constant across all capacitors in series.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, offering insights into the relationships between charge, voltage, and capacitance. There is a recognition of the need to clarify how voltage is distributed across the capacitors, and some guidance has been provided regarding the use of relevant equations.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention discrepancies between textbook information and their understanding, indicating potential gaps in the original poster's notes. The discussion reflects uncertainty about the voltage across individual capacitors in a series configuration.

in10sivkid
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2 Capacitors, C1 = 3*10^-12 f and C2= 6*10^-12 f are connected in series and the resulting combination is connected across 1000V

a) the equivalent capacitance
i got this 1/Ctotal = 1/C1 + 1/C2

b) total charge on the combination and the charge taken by each capicator

ok here is where i am confused because I am not entirely sure what equation to use

do I use C = Q/V
but in my notes it says that it is the potential difference between the capicators i dont' know how to calculate how much voltage each capicator is taking...so when i do the problem i got total voltage to be 2000V which can't be right

c) the potential difference between each capacitor
i'm assuming this is the difference in voltage...so i guess i need part B , but im' not entirely sure what its asking

ok really any help would be awesome :)
 
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b
Total chatge = Ctotal *v
in series connection the potential difference is distributed but charge on each capacitor is same Q = C1V1 = C2V2 and V1 + V2 =Vtotal
you may use Q = Ctotal*Vtotal
 
In a series connection the magnitude of charges on all plates of a capacitor are the same. Since you know the equivalent capacitance then you can calculate the charge as this charge will be the same for all the capacitors.
 
arrrrggh! lol i hate my textbook I'm seriously it doesn't say that! no joke and same with my notes i had to research that online

but thank you for your help that just solidifed with what i just learned. i apprecaite it =)
 
in10sivkid said:
2 Capacitors, C1 = 3*10^-12 f and C2= 6*10^-12 f are connected in series and the resulting combination is connected across 1000V

a) the equivalent capacitance
i got this 1/Ctotal = 1/C1 + 1/C2

b) total charge on the combination and the charge taken by each capicator

ok here is where i am confused because I am not entirely sure what equation to use

do I use C = Q/V
but in my notes it says that it is the potential difference between the capicators

V is the voltage across the capacitor that is the negative potential difference between the capacitor plates. You have the capacitance of the resultant capacitor which is equivalent with the two capacitors in series. You can calculate the charge on this equivalent capacitor.

i dont' know how to calculate how much voltage each capicator is taking...so when i do the problem i got total voltage to be 2000V which can't be right

See the picture. When you connect voltage to the serially connected capacitors the external plates get charged, but no charge can flow across the plates so the net charge on the internal plates stays zero. Because of influence, the positive and negative charges will be separated however, the left inner plate gets -q charge and the right one gets q one: the charges on the serially connected capacitors are the same as the charge on the resultant capacitor.

ehild
 
Last edited:

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