Calculating Energy in Series & Parallel Capacitors

Thread starter lcp1992
Start date Nov 27, 2011
Tags

Capacitors Energy Parallel Series

AI Thread Summary

The discussion focuses on calculating energy in capacitors, specifically in series and parallel configurations. For a single capacitor, the energy formula is given by 1/2 CV², where C is capacitance and V is voltage. In series, capacitors share the same charge, while in parallel, they share the same voltage, which influences the choice of formulas used. It is emphasized that finding the equivalent circuit is crucial for accurate calculations. Understanding these principles is essential for effectively determining energy in capacitor arrangements.

Nov 27, 2011

lcp1992

Can anybody tell me which are the formulas to find energy in capacitors in series and in parallel?

Physics news on Phys.org

Nov 27, 2011

grzz

Lest us start with a single capacitor.

What is the formula for its energy?

Nov 27, 2011

N2O2

The best way is to find the equivalent circuit and then use \frac{1}{2}CV²

Nov 27, 2011

grzz

If the capacitors are in series (resp. in parallel) then their charge (resp. voltage) is the same for each and so it would be better to use a formula having charge (resp. voltage).

Thread 'Errors and significant figures'

I multiplied the values first without the error limit. Got 19.38. rounded it off to 2 significant figures since the given data has 2 significant figures. So = 19. For error I used the above formula. It comes out about 1.48. Now my question is. Should I write the answer as 19±1.5 (rounding 1.48 to 2 significant figures) OR should I write it as 19±1. So in short, should the error have same number of significant figures as the mean value or should it have the same number of decimal places as...

View full post »

Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'

Let's declare that for the cylinder, mass = M = 10 kg Radius = R = 4 m For the wall and the floor, Friction coeff = ##\mu## = 0.5 For the hanging mass, mass = m = 11 kg First, we divide the force according to their respective plane (x and y thing, correct me if I'm wrong) and according to which, cylinder or the hanging mass, they're working on. Force on the hanging mass $$mg - T = ma$$ Force(Cylinder) on y $$N_f + f_w - Mg = 0$$ Force(Cylinder) on x $$T + f_f - N_w = Ma$$ There's also...

View full post »

Thread 'Explain this asphalt sheen'

This problem is two parts. The first is to determine what effects are being provided by each of the elements - 1) the window panes; 2) the asphalt surface. My answer to that is The second part of the problem is exactly why you get this affect. And one more spoiler:

View full post »