Capacitance in Series: Find Charge, Voltage, Energy

In summary, to find the charge, voltage, and energy stored in two capacitors in series with capacitances of 1.6 nanofarads and 5 nanofarads in a 24-volt DC network, you can use the formula 1/Ct = 1/C1 + 1/C2 to find the total capacitance, then use Q = Ct * V to get the total charge. The charge on each capacitor will be the same. To find the voltage across each capacitor, rearrange the formula V = Q / C and use the values of the capacitors and the total charge. The voltages across each capacitor must add up to the supply voltage of 24 volts.
  • #1
jonobono
5
0
1. ok, there are 2 capacitors in series in a DC network, with A having a capacitance of 1.6 nanofarads and B having 5 nanofarads capacitance, but how do i find the charge, voltage and energy stored in each if the supply voltage is 24 volts. if anyone could help within the day that would be great. thanks! :biggrin:
 
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  • #2
just to say that I am asking u guys just to check the figures because I've got a set of answers here.
 
  • #3
what is your approach on the problem? Where are you struck up? Could you show the steps you followed and relevant equations used.
 
  • #4
Here is an approach to solving this type of problem.

First, get the total capacitance of the two capacitors in series.
This is given by 1/Ct = 1/C1 + 1/C2

Now use Q = Ct * V to get the charge which charged the capacitors. V is the supply voltage.

The charge on each of the capacitors is the same as the total charge.

So, rearrange the formula now to get V = Q / C. (Q in Coulombs. C in Farads)

You know each of the capacitor values and you know the charge, so you can work out the voltages across each of the capacitors.
Notice that the voltages must add up to the supply voltage.
 
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  • #5
yes just checked my answers with that method and it's worked out allright. thanks for that quick response!
 

FAQ: Capacitance in Series: Find Charge, Voltage, Energy

What is capacitance in series?

Capacitance in series is a circuit configuration in which two or more capacitors are connected one after the other, with their positive plates connected to each other and their negative plates connected to each other. This creates a single equivalent capacitance value for the entire series circuit.

How do you find the total charge in a series circuit?

The total charge in a series circuit can be found by adding up the individual charges on each capacitor. To find the charge on a single capacitor, you can use the equation Q = CV, where Q is charge, C is capacitance, and V is voltage. Summing up the charges on all capacitors in series will give you the total charge in the circuit.

How do you calculate the total voltage in a series circuit?

The total voltage in a series circuit is equal to the sum of the individual voltages across each capacitor. To find the voltage across a single capacitor, you can use the equation V = Q/C, where V is voltage, Q is charge, and C is capacitance. Adding up the voltages across all capacitors in series will give you the total voltage in the circuit.

How do you determine the energy stored in a series circuit?

To determine the energy stored in a series circuit, you can use the equation E = 1/2CV^2, where E is energy, C is capacitance, and V is voltage. This equation gives the energy stored in each individual capacitor. To find the total energy stored in the circuit, you can add up the energies of all capacitors in series.

Can the equivalent capacitance in a series circuit ever be greater than the capacitance of a single capacitor?

No, the equivalent capacitance in a series circuit will always be less than the capacitance of a single capacitor. This is because the capacitors in series share the same charge, and the total voltage is divided among them. This results in a lower overall capacitance compared to a single capacitor with the same individual capacitance values.

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