Capacitor Charge Equality in Parallel and Series Configuration

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the charge equality of capacitors in parallel and series configurations. Specifically, capacitors Cc and Cd are in series with each other while being parallel to capacitors Ca and Cb. The charge on Cc and Cd is equal due to the conservation of charge, as the charge leaving Cc's right plate enters Cd's left plate. The relationship between charge, capacitance, and voltage is defined by the equation Q = CV, which allows for the calculation of voltages across each capacitor based on their capacitance values.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of capacitor configurations (series and parallel)
  • Familiarity with the formula Q = CV
  • Knowledge of voltage and charge relationships in electrical circuits
  • Basic principles of charge conservation
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the effects of different capacitance values on charge distribution in series and parallel configurations
  • Learn about the implications of combining capacitors in complex circuits
  • Explore the concept of equivalent capacitance for series and parallel arrangements
  • Investigate real-world applications of capacitors in electronic devices
USEFUL FOR

Electrical engineers, electronics students, and anyone interested in understanding capacitor behavior in circuit design.

Kanse
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Hi. If I had 4 capacitors and three were in parallel while the last one was in series with on of the parallel ones would the charge on the c and d capacitors be the same?
Capacitors Cc and Cd are in series while being in parallel with Ca and Cb.
 
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If you know the potential difference between the two ends of the capacitors, I'm fairly certain that you can simply use Q = CV to find the charge on the capacitor plates. This would imply that the charge would not be the same, except when the capacitors have the same capacitance.
 
The charge on Cc and Cd must be the same because the charged particles leave Cc's right plate also enter Cd's left plate. If you know the capacitance of Cc and Cd, you know the potentials on each capacitor.
Q=CV ==> Vc=Q/Cc; Vd=Q/Cd and Vc+Vd = V
From that you can find Vc,d via Cc, Cd or vice versa.
 

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