Find Energy stored in System of capacitors

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the total energy stored in a system of capacitors configured in both parallel and series connections. The user successfully determined the total capacitance as 0.75 µF and applied the formula U = (1/2)CV² with an emf voltage of 1V to find the energy stored, resulting in U = 0.375 µJ. Confirmation from other forum members validates that this approach is correct, and no additional calculations for individual capacitors are necessary.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of capacitor configurations (series and parallel)
  • Familiarity with the formula for energy stored in capacitors (U = (1/2)CV²)
  • Basic knowledge of microfarads (µF) as a unit of capacitance
  • Concept of electromotive force (emf) in electrical circuits
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the effects of different capacitor configurations on total capacitance
  • Learn about energy calculations for capacitors in series and parallel
  • Explore practical applications of capacitors in electronic circuits
  • Investigate advanced topics such as capacitor discharge and time constants
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Students in electrical engineering, physics enthusiasts, and anyone studying circuit analysis who seeks to understand energy storage in capacitors.

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:
Physics news on Phys.org
Hi silkyjojnson, welcome to PF.
Your answer is correct.
 

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