Find Energy stored in System of capacitors

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the total energy stored in a system of capacitors arranged in parallel and series. The user successfully determined the total capacitance as 0.75 µF and used the formula U = (1/2)CV² with a given emf of 1V to find the energy stored, resulting in 0.375 µJ. They initially considered calculating the energy for each capacitor individually but confirmed that using the total capacitance was sufficient. Responses in the thread confirm that the user's approach and calculations are correct. The final conclusion is that the method used to find the total energy stored in the capacitor system is valid.
silkyjohnson
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Homework Statement


I have a system of capacitors set up in a combination of parallel and series connections. The first question(part a) asks me to find the total capacitance of the combination. The second question(part b) asks me to find the total energy stored in the system of capacitors.

They give me all the capacitances of each capacitor in the combination as well as the emf voltage.

So I got part A, no problem.

I think I did part B right but I just want to make sure I'm not oversimplifying things.

Homework Equations


Basically to find the total energy stored in the system, I used the equation U = (1/2)CV^2. I plugged in the value I found for part A into C, and used the given emf voltage.

(from part A) C = .75uF
(given emf) V = 1V

The Attempt at a Solution


So plugging those values into the equation, I got U = .375 uJ as my answer.

Now I am just wondering, is that all I do? At first I thought that maybe I had to figure out the energy stored for every capacitor individually, then add it all up... but after a while it just occurred to me to use the above equation for U.

I feel that I am correct, but I'm just hoping I can get some confirmation, or some help if I am wrong?

Thanks guys!
 
Last edited:
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Hi silkyjojnson, welcome to PF.
Your answer is correct.
 

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