Capacitance in Series: Find Charge, Voltage, Energy

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the charge, voltage, and energy stored in two capacitors connected in series within a DC network. The specific values of capacitance and supply voltage are provided, and participants explore methods to derive the necessary quantities.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a problem involving two capacitors in series with given capacitances and a supply voltage, seeking assistance in finding charge, voltage, and energy.
  • Another participant asks for clarification on the approach taken and the steps followed in solving the problem.
  • A proposed method is shared, outlining the calculation of total capacitance in series and the subsequent steps to find charge and voltage across each capacitor.
  • One participant confirms that the proposed method yielded correct results for their calculations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the method for calculating the required values, as one participant successfully verified their answers using the suggested approach. However, the initial problem remains open for further exploration and confirmation from others.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not specify any limitations or assumptions regarding the calculations, nor does it address potential complexities in the energy calculations.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students or individuals learning about capacitor circuits, particularly in understanding series configurations and related calculations.

jonobono
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1. ok, there are 2 capacitors in series in a DC network, with A having a capacitance of 1.6 nanofarads and B having 5 nanofarads capacitance, but how do i find the charge, voltage and energy stored in each if the supply voltage is 24 volts. if anyone could help within the day that would be great. thanks! :biggrin:
 
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just to say that I am asking u guys just to check the figures because I've got a set of answers here.
 
what is your approach on the problem? Where are you struck up? Could you show the steps you followed and relevant equations used.
 
Here is an approach to solving this type of problem.

First, get the total capacitance of the two capacitors in series.
This is given by 1/Ct = 1/C1 + 1/C2

Now use Q = Ct * V to get the charge which charged the capacitors. V is the supply voltage.

The charge on each of the capacitors is the same as the total charge.

So, rearrange the formula now to get V = Q / C. (Q in Coulombs. C in Farads)

You know each of the capacitor values and you know the charge, so you can work out the voltages across each of the capacitors.
Notice that the voltages must add up to the supply voltage.
 
Last edited:
yes just checked my answers with that method and it's worked out allright. thanks for that quick response!
 

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