Capacitors in series and parallel

RadiationX

A battery of potential V stores charge q on a combintation of two identical capacitors. What are the potential difference across and the charge on either capacitor if the capacitors are (a) in parallel (b) iin series?

I know the answers to these questions but I'm trying to understand the conceptul ideas behind this question. The answers are:

(a) V, q/2

(b) V/2, q


Any ideas?

andrewchang

Do you understand the concepts behind parallel vs. series capacitors?

RadiationX

Yes I do, but could you elaborate a little?

RadiationX

anyone else have any inuput?

lightgrav

Voltage is potential difference . (V_C - V_B) + (V_B - V_A) = (V_C - V_A).

Charge is conserved, just like mass is.

RadiationX

What does the 'B' stand for ?

lightgrav

A, B, C are locations. Potential (V) is a function of location.
Voltage, a potential DIFFERENCE, is a function of a REGION (Capacitor gap).

with Capacitors in series, A is bottom plate, C is top plate, B is either middle plate.