Capacitors in Series: Finding Equivalent Capacitance and Stored Charge

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SUMMARY

In the discussion, two capacitors, 7.5 µF and 15 µF, are connected in series across a 12-V battery. The equivalent capacitance is calculated using the formula for capacitors in series, resulting in an equivalent capacitance of 5.0 µF, not 22.5 µF as initially stated. It is clarified that in a series configuration, the charge stored on each capacitor is the same, leading to a charge of 60 µC for both capacitors. The confusion arose from misreading the configuration as parallel instead of series.

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1. Two capacitors, one 7.5 µF the other 15 µF, are connected in series across a 12-V battery. (a) Find the equivalent capacitance of the two capacitors. (b) Which capacitor stores more charge? Explain. (c) Find the charge stored on each capacitor.
2. Cequiv = ∑C
C = Q/V

3. (a) Cequiv = 7.5µF + 15µF
Cequiv = 22.5µF

(b) Capacitors maintain an electric charge, so greater capacitance will hole more charge, resulting in a greater charge?

(c) C= Q/V
7.5µF = Q/12V
Q = 90 µC

15µF = Q/12V
Q = 180µC

Book Answer:
(a) 5.0µF
(b) Their charges are the same.
(c) 60µC

Not sure how they got there?
 
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Charges are the same because its in series. Sorry, read the question wrong, if I redo everything with series, it works. I swear it said parallel.
 

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