Capacitors: Series Capacitance Concepts

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the concepts of series capacitance, specifically analyzing two capacitors, YW and XZ, with differing plate separations. Key equations include C = (1/2)*E0A/d for capacitance and E = (0.5)(Q^2/C) for electric field energy. Participants clarify that in a series circuit, the charge remains constant across all capacitors, regardless of their individual distances or areas. The energy stored in capacitors and the effects of removing one capacitor on the charge of the others are also examined.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of capacitor fundamentals, including capacitance and electric fields.
  • Familiarity with the equations for capacitance and energy storage in capacitors.
  • Knowledge of series circuits and how they affect charge distribution.
  • Basic grasp of electrical concepts such as voltage and charge conservation.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implications of capacitor configurations in series versus parallel.
  • Learn about the effects of plate separation on capacitance and energy storage.
  • Explore practical applications of capacitors in electronic circuits.
  • Investigate the relationship between charge, voltage, and capacitance in more complex circuits.
USEFUL FOR

Students studying electrical engineering, educators teaching capacitor theory, and electronics enthusiasts looking to deepen their understanding of series capacitance concepts.

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Homework Statement


The sketch below is a side view of two capacitors consisting of parallel plates in air. The capacitor plates are equal in area but the plate separation differs as shown. Individual capacitors are specified with two letters, for example YW is a single capacitor. The charge on plate Y is represented by QY.
The image is http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/7236/plotty8.png" .


Homework Equations


C = (1/2)*E0A/d
C = 1/2(CV^2)
E = (.5)(Q^2/C)


The Attempt at a Solution


stay the same The energy stored in capacitor XZ is ______ the energy stored in capacitor YW.

less than The electric field between plates Y and W is ______ the electric field between plates X and Z.

equal to The potential difference across capacitor XZ is ______ the potential difference across capacitor YW.

stay the same If the plate separation for capacitor YW decreases, the energy stored in capacitor XZ will ...

greater than QW + QX is _____ zero.

stay the same If capacitor XZ is eliminated from the circuit, the energy stored in capacitor YW will...

stay the same If capacitor YW is eliminated from the circuit, the magnitude of QX will...

What am I doing wrong?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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bumpe
 
anyone??
 
why do you think all those answers are true? It's hard to tell what you're doing wrong with just the answers.
 
ok then. first of all, are the charges on all capacitors exactly the same regardless of distance and/or area on a series circuit?

And if one of the capacitors is removed, will the charge of the other one stay the same?
 
Last edited:
really, i need to know
 

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