Capacitance Addition Formula Origin

In summary, the formula for addition of capacitance of conductors is not dependent on the conductors themselves, but rather on the geometry and distances between them. For more information on parasitic capacitances in electronics, refer to the book "Electronic Engineering" by Charles L. Alley and Kenneth W. Atwood.
  • #1
ExplosivePete
13
1
Hello,

Could someone help me find a general derivation of the formula for addition of capacitance of conductors? I'm hoping to find something that could be applied to a general assortment of conductors, not just parallel plate capacitors.

I look forward to your response,

Pete
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
If you mean capacitance between conductors, or capacitance from conductor to ground, it is not a function of the conductor itself, but rather a function of the geometry and the distances.

For parasitic capacitances in electronics see
Alley, Charles L.; Atwood, Kenneth W. (1973). Electronic Engineering, 3rd Ed. New York: John Wiley & Sons. p. 199. ISBN 0-471-02450-3.
 

1. What is the origin of the capacitance addition formula?

The capacitance addition formula, also known as the parallel plate capacitor formula, was first derived by German physicist Hermann von Helmholtz in the mid-19th century. He was studying the behavior of electric charges and discovered that when two parallel plates are separated by a distance and connected to a power source, the amount of charge that can be stored on each plate is directly proportional to the distance between the plates.

2. How is the capacitance addition formula used in practical applications?

The capacitance addition formula is used in various practical applications, such as designing electronic circuits, calculating the energy storage capacity of capacitors, and measuring the dielectric constant of materials. It is also essential in understanding the behavior of capacitors in series and parallel circuits.

3. What is the mathematical formula for capacitance addition?

The capacitance addition formula is C = C1 + C2 + ... + Cn, where C is the total capacitance of the parallel circuit and C1, C2, ... , Cn are the individual capacitances of each capacitor.

4. How does the distance between parallel plates affect capacitance?

The distance between parallel plates has a direct effect on capacitance. The closer the plates are, the higher the capacitance will be, and the farther apart they are, the lower the capacitance will be. This is because the closer the plates are, the more electric field lines are present, leading to a higher capacitance.

5. How is the capacitance addition formula related to the concept of capacitance?

The capacitance addition formula is directly related to the concept of capacitance, which is the ability of a system to store an electric charge. The formula shows that the total capacitance of a parallel circuit is equal to the sum of the individual capacitances, demonstrating the additive nature of capacitance in parallel circuits.

Similar threads

Inserting a conductor in a parallel-plate capacitor
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
2
Views
2K
Capacitance of an isolated sphere - solid vs hollow
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
1
Views
9K
Capacitance of two spheres with equal radius
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
1
Views
4K
Capacitance - does a general approach really exist?
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
13
Views
2K
Proofing Capacitance: Understanding Electrostatics
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
2
Views
3K
Prove to me how capacitors in parallel can have the same V across plates
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
7
Views
1K
Theoretical doubt regarding capacitance
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
8
Views
2K
I Thought I Understood Gauss' Law (Sheets)
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
26
Views
590
Electric Field and Potential in a conductor
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
3
Views
1K
Capacitance and Electric Field
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
1
Views
841

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top