Capacitors in series and parallel

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding the behavior of capacitors in series and parallel configurations, specifically focusing on the potential difference and charge distribution when connected to a battery of potential V.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the fundamental concepts of voltage and charge conservation in capacitor configurations, questioning the implications of these principles in both series and parallel setups.

Discussion Status

Some participants express a desire for deeper understanding of the concepts, while others provide insights into the definitions of voltage and charge conservation. There is an ongoing exploration of the roles of different points in the circuit.

Contextual Notes

Participants are discussing the implications of potential differences and charge distribution without fully resolving the conceptual questions raised. There is an emphasis on understanding the definitions and relationships between voltage and charge in the context of capacitors.

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A battery of potential V stores charge q on a combintation of two identical capacitors. What are the potential difference across and the charge on either capacitor if the capacitors are (a) in parallel (b) iin series?

I know the answers to these questions but I'm trying to understand the conceptul ideas behind this question. The answers are:

(a) V, q/2

(b) V/2, q


Any ideas?
 
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Do you understand the concepts behind parallel vs. series capacitors?
 
andrewchang said:
Do you understand the concepts behind parallel vs. series capacitors?

Yes I do, but could you elaborate a little?
 
anyone else have any inuput?
 
Voltage is potential difference . (V_C - V_B) + (V_B - V_A) = (V_C - V_A).

Charge is conserved, just like mass is.
 
lightgrav said:
Voltage is potential difference . (V_C - V_B) + (V_B - V_A) = (V_C - V_A).

Charge is conserved, just like mass is.

What does the 'B' stand for ?
 
A, B, C are locations. Potential (V) is a function of location.
Voltage, a potential DIFFERENCE, is a function of a REGION (Capacitor gap).

with Capacitors in series, A is bottom plate, C is top plate, B is either middle plate.
 

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