Lesson plan on series and parallel connection of capacitors

What are series and parallel connections of capacitors?

This document discusses the series and parallel connections of capacitors. It provides the following key points: - Capacitors in series have the same charge but their voltages add up. The equivalent capacitance is calculated by taking the reciprocal of the sum of the reciprocals of the individual capacitances.

What happens if you add multiple capacitors to a parallel connection?

When you connect multiple capacitors in parallel, the total capacitance is the sum of all the individual capacitors. So, the capacitance is greater than that of a single capacitor. Anytime you add at least three capacitors together in a parallel connection, the circuit’s total capacitance is the total sum value of all the individual capacitors.

When does the rule of equal voltages across parallel branches apply?

recognize that the rule of equal voltages across parallel branches applies when the branches contain capacitors. In this lesson, we will learn how to calculate the total capacitance of multiple capacitors connected in series and in parallel combinations.

How do you charge a capacitor with capacitance C0?

Example: You have a capacitor with capacitance C0, charge it up via a battery so the charge is +/- Q0, with ΔV0 across the plates and E0 inside. Initially U0 = 1/2C0(ΔV0)2 = Q02/2C0. Then, disconnect the battery, and then insert a dielectric with dielectric constant κ. What are Cf, Uf, Qf, Ef, and ΔVf? Isolated system, so Qf = Q0.

How do you charge a capacitor with a battery?

Example: You have a capacitor with capacitance C0, charge it up via a battery so the charge is +/- Q0, with ΔV0 across the plates and E0 inside. Initially U0 = 1/2C0(ΔV0)2 = Q02/2C0. Then, while keeping the connection to the battery, insert a dielectric with dielectric constant κ.