Series vs. Parallel circuits

In summary, to find the charge on each capacitor in a series circuit with a 90.0 μF and 180.0 μF capacitor and a 12.0 V battery, you would use the equation Q=VC. To find the charge in a parallel circuit, you would need to use the equation Q=CeqV, where Ceq is the equivalent capacitance of the circuit.
  • #1
ally1h
61
0

Homework Statement


A series circuit consists of a 90.0 μF capacitor, a 180.0 μF, and a 12.0 V battery. Find the charge on each of the capacitors. Do the same for a parallel circuit.



Homework Equations


Q=VC



The Attempt at a Solution


I'm not too certain what the difference is in finding the charge between a parallel and series circuit.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
ally1h said:

Homework Statement


A series circuit consists of a 90.0 μF capacitor, a 180.0 μF, and a 12.0 V battery. Find the charge on each of the capacitors. Do the same for a parallel circuit.

The Attempt at a Solution


I'm not too certain what the difference is in finding the charge between a parallel and series circuit.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capacitor#Series_or_parallel_arrangements
 
  • #3
In a series circuit, the charge on each capacitor would be the same since they are connected in a single loop. So, using the equation Q=VC, the charge on each capacitor would be Q=90.0μF x 12.0 V = 1080 μC. In a parallel circuit, the charge on each capacitor will be different since they are connected in separate branches. To find the charge on each capacitor, the total voltage across the circuit would need to be divided by the individual capacitance values. So, for the first capacitor, Q=12.0 V / 90.0 μF = 0.133 μC. For the second capacitor, Q=12.0 V / 180.0 μF = 0.067 μC. Therefore, the charge on each capacitor in a parallel circuit would be different.
 

What is the difference between series and parallel circuits?

In a series circuit, all of the components are connected one after another in a single loop. In a parallel circuit, the components are connected in branches, with each branch having its own separate loop.

Which type of circuit is more commonly used?

Series circuits are more commonly used in household wiring, as they provide a consistent flow of electricity and are less prone to overloading. Parallel circuits are more commonly used in electronics, as they allow for multiple components to be connected to the same power source without affecting each other.

How do the voltage and current differ in series and parallel circuits?

In a series circuit, the voltage is divided between each component, meaning that each component receives a smaller voltage than the total voltage of the circuit. In a parallel circuit, the voltage across each branch remains the same as the total voltage of the circuit. However, the current is divided in a parallel circuit, with each branch receiving a portion of the total current.

What happens if one component in a series circuit fails?

If one component in a series circuit fails, the entire circuit will be disrupted and no current will flow. This is because the circuit is dependent on the flow of electricity through each component in order for it to reach the end.

How do series and parallel circuits affect the brightness of light bulbs?

In a series circuit, the brightness of the light bulbs will decrease as more bulbs are added, as the voltage is divided between each bulb. In a parallel circuit, each bulb will have the same brightness, regardless of the number of bulbs, as each bulb has its own separate loop with the same voltage.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
4K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
15
Views
4K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
923
Back
Top