Capacitors in Series: Finding Equivalent Capacitance and Stored Charge

In summary, two capacitors with capacitances of 7.5 µF and 15 µF are connected in series across a 12-V battery. The equivalent capacitance of the two capacitors is 22.5 µF. Both capacitors have the same charge stored, which is 60 µC. This is because they are connected in series, meaning the same amount of charge flows through both capacitors. The formula used to calculate the charge stored is Q=CV, where Q is charge, C is capacitance, and V is voltage.
  • #1
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1. Two capacitors, one 7.5 µF the other 15 µF, are connected in series across a 12-V battery. (a) Find the equivalent capacitance of the two capacitors. (b) Which capacitor stores more charge? Explain. (c) Find the charge stored on each capacitor.
2. Cequiv = ∑C
C = Q/V
3. (a) Cequiv = 7.5µF + 15µF
Cequiv = 22.5µF

(b) Capacitors maintain an electric charge, so greater capacitance will hole more charge, resulting in a greater charge?

(c) C= Q/V
7.5µF = Q/12V
Q = 90 µC

15µF = Q/12V
Q = 180µC

Book Answer:
(a) 5.0µF
(b) Their charges are the same.
(c) 60µC

Not sure how they got there?
 
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  • #2
Charges are the same becuase its in series. Sorry, read the question wrong, if I redo everything with series, it works. I swear it said parallel.
 

What is capacitance stored charge?

Capacitance stored charge refers to the amount of electrical charge that can be stored in a capacitor. It is a measure of the capacitor's ability to hold and release electrical energy.

How is capacitance stored charge calculated?

The capacitance stored charge is calculated by multiplying the capacitance of the capacitor (measured in farads) by the voltage applied across it. This gives the amount of charge stored in the capacitor in coulombs.

What is the relationship between capacitance and stored charge?

There is a direct relationship between capacitance and stored charge. This means that as the capacitance of a capacitor increases, the amount of charge it can store also increases.

What factors affect the capacitance stored charge?

The capacitance stored charge is affected by several factors, including the size of the capacitor, the distance between its plates, the type of material used for the plates, and the dielectric constant of the material between the plates.

Why is capacitance stored charge important in electronic circuits?

Capacitance stored charge is important in electronic circuits because it allows for the storage and release of electrical energy, which is essential for the functioning of many electronic devices. It also helps to smooth out fluctuations in voltage and can be used for timing and filtering purposes in circuits.

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