How to Derive Voltage Across Capacitors in Series?

  • Thread starter Thread starter superdave
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Capacitance
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on deriving the voltage across capacitors in series, specifically two capacitors with capacitances C_1 and C_2 connected to a voltage source V_0. The key equations established are V_0 = V_1 + V_2, where V_1 and V_2 are the voltages across each capacitor, and the total capacitance for capacitors in series, given by 1/C_total = 1/C_1 + 1/C_2. The relationship between charge and capacitance is also emphasized, with the equation Q = C * V being central to the derivation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of capacitor fundamentals, including capacitance and voltage.
  • Knowledge of series circuits and their properties.
  • Familiarity with the equation relating charge, capacitance, and voltage (Q = C * V).
  • Basic algebra skills for manipulating equations.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of total capacitance for capacitors in series in more detail.
  • Learn about the energy stored in capacitors and how it relates to voltage and capacitance.
  • Explore practical applications of capacitors in series in electronic circuits.
  • Investigate the effects of different capacitor values on voltage distribution in series configurations.
USEFUL FOR

Students studying electrical engineering, electronics enthusiasts, and anyone looking to understand the behavior of capacitors in series circuits.

superdave
Messages
149
Reaction score
3

Homework Statement



A known voltage source V_0 is connected by a switch to two capacitors in series with capacitance C_1 and C_2. When we flip the switch, connecting the capacitors to the voltage source, we measure the voltage across each capacitor, V_1 and V_2 respectively.

I need to derive an equation relating V_1 and V_2 in terms of V_0, C_1 and C_2

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution

 
Physics news on Phys.org
What is the equation that relates charge Q on a capacitor to the capacitance C and the voltage V?
 
It's V=Q/C.
 
Correct. Now do you know what the total capacitance is for two caps connected in series? If you know that, what can you say about the overall Q, since you know the V?
 
Q = CV.

In series,

1/Ctotal = 1/C1 + 1/C2 + 1/C3 Etc.
 
Answer for you

:redface: In Series connection the the total potential difference is the sum of potential difference across each capacitor..so
V_0=V_1 + V_2
q=CV
q/c_0=q/c_1 + q/c_2
so
c_0 = (c_1*c_2)/(c_1+c_2)
 
Last edited:
Answer for you Superdave

:redface: In Series connection the the total potential difference is the sum of potential difference across each capacitor..so
V_0=V_1 + V_2
q=CV
q/c_0=q_1 + q_2
so
c_0 = (c_1*c_2)/(c_1+c_2)
 

Similar threads

Replies
2
Views
931
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Replies
20
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
1K
Replies
12
Views
3K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K