Capacitors in series and parallel

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of parallel and series capacitors and their respective potential differences and charges. It is mentioned that the answers to the given questions are V, q/2 for parallel capacitors and V/2, q for series capacitors. The conversation also touches on the conservation of charge and the relationship between potential difference and location.
  • #1
RadiationX
256
0
A battery of potential V stores charge q on a combintation of two identical capacitors. What are the potential difference across and the charge on either capacitor if the capacitors are (a) in parallel (b) iin series?

I know the answers to these questions but I'm trying to understand the conceptul ideas behind this question. The answers are:

(a) V, q/2

(b) V/2, q


Any ideas?
 
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  • #2
Do you understand the concepts behind parallel vs. series capacitors?
 
  • #3
andrewchang said:
Do you understand the concepts behind parallel vs. series capacitors?

Yes I do, but could you elaborate a little?
 
  • #4
anyone else have any inuput?
 
  • #5
Voltage is potential difference . (V_C - V_B) + (V_B - V_A) = (V_C - V_A).

Charge is conserved, just like mass is.
 
  • #6
lightgrav said:
Voltage is potential difference . (V_C - V_B) + (V_B - V_A) = (V_C - V_A).

Charge is conserved, just like mass is.

What does the 'B' stand for ?
 
  • #7
A, B, C are locations. Potential (V) is a function of location.
Voltage, a potential DIFFERENCE, is a function of a REGION (Capacitor gap).

with Capacitors in series, A is bottom plate, C is top plate, B is either middle plate.
 

Related to Capacitors in series and parallel

1. What is the difference between capacitors in series and parallel?

Capacitors in series are connected end-to-end, while capacitors in parallel are connected side-by-side. In series, the same amount of charge passes through each capacitor, while in parallel, the voltage across each capacitor is the same.

2. How do you calculate the total capacitance of capacitors in series?

To calculate the total capacitance of capacitors in series, you can use the formula 1/Ctotal = 1/C1 + 1/C2 + 1/C3 + ..., where C1, C2, C3, etc. are the individual capacitances of each capacitor. This means that the total capacitance is always less than the smallest individual capacitance.

3. How do you calculate the total capacitance of capacitors in parallel?

The total capacitance of capacitors in parallel can be calculated by simply adding up the individual capacitances. This means that the total capacitance is always greater than the largest individual capacitance.

4. What happens to the voltage across capacitors in series and parallel?

In series, the voltage across each capacitor adds up to the total voltage, while in parallel, the voltage across each capacitor is the same as the total voltage. This means that in series, the voltage across each capacitor is lower than in parallel for the same total voltage.

5. How do capacitors in series and parallel affect the overall capacitance of a circuit?

Capacitors in series decrease the overall capacitance of a circuit, while capacitors in parallel increase the overall capacitance. This means that capacitors in series and parallel can be used to manipulate and control the overall capacitance in a circuit.

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