Are amp-seconds the same as capacitance?

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SUMMARY

In the discussion, participants clarify that amp-hours (Ah) measure a battery's available charge, representing its capacity, not capacitance. When batteries are connected in series, the voltage doubles while the capacity (amp-hours) remains unchanged. The confusion arises from the term "capacitance," which is irrelevant in the context of batteries, as they do not involve capacitors. The correct terminology to use is "capacity" when discussing batteries and their amp-hour ratings.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electrical current and its measurement in amperes.
  • Knowledge of battery configurations, specifically series connections.
  • Familiarity with the concept of capacity in relation to batteries.
  • Basic electrical terminology, including terms like voltage and amp-hours.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the differences between capacitance and capacity in electrical components.
  • Learn about battery chemistry and how it affects amp-hour ratings.
  • Explore the implications of connecting batteries in series versus parallel.
  • Investigate how to calculate total voltage and capacity in battery systems.
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Students studying electrical engineering, battery manufacturers, and anyone interested in understanding battery specifications and configurations.

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Homework Statement


What is an amp hour? Are they saying that batteries in series maintain the same capacitance when they say amp-hours?

When connecting your batteries in Series you are doubling the voltage while maintaining the same capacity rating (amp hours).

Homework Equations


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The Attempt at a Solution


None
 
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Well, you know that ampères measure electrical current, right? So what do you get when you multiply electrical current by time?

Capacitance has nothing to do with it. (There are no capacitors involved in a battery)
 
Perhaps jamba meant capacity, not capacitance.

jamba88 said:

Homework Statement


What is an amp hour?
An amp-hour is a measure of a battery's available charge, which can be thought of as its capacity.

Are they saying that batteries in series maintain the same capacitance when they say amp-hours?
What have you been told about batteries and amp-hours from your class lectures or textbook?

When connecting your batteries in Series you are doubling the voltage while maintaining the same capacity rating (amp hours).

Homework Equations


None


The Attempt at a Solution


None
Uh, technically you are supposed to attempt solving a homework problem before receiving help from us.
 

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