Capacitors in Series: Voltage & Charge Explained

  • Thread starter Thread starter adabistanesoophia
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Capacitors Series
AI Thread Summary
When capacitors are connected in series, the charge remains the same across each capacitor because the charge cannot flow through the gap between them, resulting in equal positive and negative charges on adjacent plates. Voltage differs among the capacitors due to their individual capacitance values, as voltage is determined by the relationship between charge (Q) and capacitance (C). In parallel configurations, the voltage remains constant while the total charge is distributed among the capacitors based on their capacitance. This distinction in behavior between series and parallel arrangements highlights the fundamental principles of capacitor operation. Understanding these concepts is crucial for effective circuit design and analysis.
adabistanesoophia
Messages
12
Reaction score
0
Hi,

When capacitors are connected in series then why charge remains same on each capacitor and why voltage differs on each capacitor?

Regards,

Rizwan Khalil
923214120424 :smile:
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Charge doesn't come out of nowhere--and it doesn't flow across the gap. So the + charge on one side of capacitor 1 must be balanced by an equal - charge on the adjacent side of the capacitor 2. (The net charge on the capacitor is zero; and the net charge on the two plates connected by the wire is also zero.)

As far as voltage goes, how does voltage depend on Q and C?
 
But why Q differs in parallel combinations of capacitors?
 
In that case the voltage is the same, but the total Q is shared among all the parallel capacitors. Each gets a portion according to V and C.
 

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'

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 »

Similar threads

Why Do Capacitors Behave Differently in Series and Parallel Configurations?
Replies
20
Views
2K
Why can we model spherical capacitor with two dielectrics as two capacitors in series?
Replies
4
Views
2K
Finding charge on a capacitor given potential difference across two points
Replies
4
Views
2K
Questions about a capacitor with 4 parallel plates
Replies
14
Views
1K
Final Charge of a Capacitor in a Circuit with Capacitors and Resistors
Replies
9
Views
2K
Why Capacitors in Parallels vs. Series: Coaxial Capacitor Case
Replies
2
Views
2K
Finding Current in Resistors & Charge of Capacitor
Replies
4
Views
2K
Redistribution of Pre-Charged Capacitors
Replies
11
Views
3K
Material between capacitor plates - viewed as two capacitors in series
Replies
3
Views
1K
Uncharged capacitors connected in series
Replies
18
Views
3K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top