Capacitors connected in parallel

In summary, when a potential difference is applied to a combination of capacitors connected in parallel, the charge on the equivalent capacitor will be the same as the sum of the charges on the individual capacitors (C1 and C2). This is based on the definition of capacitance and charge conservation.
  • #1
nautica
Capacitor C1 and C2 are connected in parallel and a potential difference is applied to the combination. If the capacitor that is equilvalent to the combination has the same potential difference, then the charge on the equivalent capacitor is the same as?

a) the charge on C1
b) the sum of the charges on C1 and C2
c) the difference of the charges on C1 and C2
d) the product of the charges on C1 and C2
e) none of above

I got lost in the wording on this one.

nautica
 
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  • #2
Let's see if I can walk you through this.

Give me an equation that expresses the definition of capacitance...

Next, what is the "formula" for CEQ when several capacitors C1, C2, C3 ... are connected in parallel?
 
Last edited:
  • #3
The sum of the charges on C1 and C2

thanks
nautica
 
  • #4
First ask yourself, "what is the definition of capacitance?" That should probably give you a huge hint. The next hint would be charge conservation.
 

1. What is the purpose of connecting capacitors in parallel?

Connecting capacitors in parallel increases the total capacitance in a circuit. This allows for more charge to be stored and released, resulting in a stronger and more stable electrical current.

2. How do capacitors in parallel affect the voltage across each capacitor?

When capacitors are connected in parallel, the voltage across each capacitor is the same. This is because each capacitor is connected directly to the same voltage source, and the voltage is divided equally among them.

3. Can capacitors in parallel be replaced by a single equivalent capacitor?

Yes, capacitors connected in parallel can be replaced by a single equivalent capacitor with a capacitance equal to the sum of the individual capacitances. This is known as the "sum rule" for capacitors in parallel.

4. How does the total capacitance change when adding more capacitors in parallel?

The total capacitance increases when more capacitors are added in parallel. This is because the equivalent capacitance is equal to the sum of the individual capacitances, and adding more capacitors increases the total sum.

5. What is the effect of connecting capacitors with different capacitance values in parallel?

When connecting capacitors with different capacitance values in parallel, the equivalent capacitance will be somewhere between the largest and smallest capacitance values. The exact value can be calculated using the formula for capacitors in parallel.

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