Parallel vs Series Circuits: Capacitors & Resistors

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding the configuration of capacitors in circuits, specifically when analyzing scenarios without a power source. Participants explore the distinctions between series and parallel connections in the context of capacitors charging one another.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the implications of connecting two capacitors with two wires and whether this configuration should be considered in series or parallel. Questions arise regarding the behavior of charges and voltages in these scenarios, particularly when one capacitor is charged and the other is not.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of conflicting interpretations regarding the configuration of capacitors. Some participants assert that the capacitors are in parallel, while others suggest they could be viewed as being in series due to the current flow. The discussion reflects a lack of consensus, with participants seeking clarity on the principles involved.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the absence of a power source in the circuit, which raises questions about the behavior of the capacitors and the relevance of total capacitance in the absence of external connections.

nothilaryy
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This isn't for anyone specific homework problem, just a general lack of understanding of series and parallel circuits in certain cases. Given most normal circuits with a battery and some varying combination of capacitors and resistors I can tell which branches are in series and parallel and solve quite accurately; however, when you take away the battery and are left with a capacitor charging other capacitors I have no idea whether that would be in series or a parallel. Think just two capacitors connected by two wires. I hope I'm describing this ok, I don't have a picture which would probably help- let me know if you need clarification.
 
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Two capacitors connected with TWO wires must be connected in parallel. Interesting things could happen for a very short time if one of them was charged and the other not charged when they are connected. But soon transient currents would cease and you would just have effectively one capacitor with the sum of the two capacitances.

Nothing happens when their are no sources in the circuit.
 
Delphi51 said:
Two capacitors connected with TWO wires must be connected in parallel. Interesting things could happen for a very short time if one of them was charged and the other not charged when they are connected. But soon transient currents would cease and you would just have effectively one capacitor with the sum of the two capacitances.

Nothing happens when their are no sources in the circuit.

The capacitors are in series as well. The same current goes through both.
 
"
Two capacitors connected with TWO wires must be connected in parallel. Interesting things could happen for a very short time if one of them was charged and the other not charged when they are connected. But soon transient currents would cease and you would just have effectively one capacitor with the sum of the two capacitances."​
A situation where one was charged and the other wasn't or they were both charged to different voltages was what I was referring to. Basically I'm trying to see if the charges on all the plates should be equal or the voltages and whether I should find the total capacitance by looking at it in series or parallel.

And now it seems I have two conflicting answers?
 
nothilaryy said:
A situation where one was charged and the other wasn't or they were both charged to different voltages was what I was referring to. Basically I'm trying to see if the charges on all the plates should be equal or the voltages and whether I should find the total capacitance by looking at it in series or parallel.

And now it seems I have two conflicting answers?

I wouldn't worry about the total capacitance of the 2 capacitors unless you hook them up to something else.
 

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