Parllel Plate Capacitors Connected Opposite

In summary, two capacitors with capacitances of 9.8 micro F and 4.0 micro F were initially connected in parallel to a 30 V battery. After being disconnected from the source and from each other, the capacitors were reconnected with plates of opposite sign together. The question is asking for the decrease in energy of the system after the reconnection. Using the equations U = (1/2)QV and Q1 = C1V, Q2 = C2V for capacitors connected in parallel, the new charge on both capacitors must be found and the stored energy in both must be added together.
  • #1
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Homework Statement



Two capacitors are connected parallel to each other and connected to the battery with voltage 30 V. Let C1 = 9.8 micro F,C2 = 4.0 micro F be their capacitances. Suppose the charged capacitors are disconnected from the source and from each other, and then reconnected to each other with plates of opposite sign together.By how much does the energy of the system decrease?

Homework Equations



U = (1/2)QVFor PPC connected in parallel,

Q1 = C1V and Q2 = C2V

Ceq = C1 + C2 + C3...

The Attempt at a Solution



I found the charge stored on the plates initially, and was trying to find the charge stored on them after they were reconnect, but failed. I really don't know what to do. Do I have to find the new voltage too?
 
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  • #2


If someone could just tell me if I have to recalculate a new potential difference, that would be great. I really have no clue how to proceed from here.
 
  • #3
Can anyone help me with this? It's very frustrating, and I'm not quite sure how to approach it.
 
  • #4
Note that when you connect the capacitors in series, they have the same charge on each other. So now you have to find the new charge on both of them and add up the stored energy in both.
 
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FAQ: Parllel Plate Capacitors Connected Opposite

What is a parallel plate capacitor?

A parallel plate capacitor is a type of capacitor consisting of two parallel conductive plates separated by a dielectric material. It is used to store electrical energy by creating an electric field between the plates.

How are parallel plate capacitors connected opposite?

In a series connection, the positive terminal of one capacitor is connected to the negative terminal of the other capacitor. This creates a single capacitor with a larger plate area and a smaller distance between the plates, resulting in a higher capacitance.

What happens to the capacitance when parallel plate capacitors are connected opposite?

The capacitance increases as the two capacitors are effectively combined into one larger capacitor. This is due to the increased plate area and decreased distance between the plates.

What is the formula for calculating the total capacitance of parallel plate capacitors connected opposite?

The formula is C = (C1 * C2) / (C1 + C2), where C1 and C2 are the individual capacitances of the two capacitors.

What are some common applications of parallel plate capacitors connected opposite?

Parallel plate capacitors connected opposite are commonly used in electronic circuits to store energy and filter out unwanted frequencies. They are also used in power supplies and in various types of sensors.

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