Capacitors in circuits Flashcards
What happens when two or more capacitors are connected in parallel?
The potential difference across each capacitor is the same and each can store the same amount of charge as if it were the only capacitor in the circuit.
What is the formula for total capacitance when capacitors are connected in parallel?
C_total = C1 + C2 + … + Cn
What is the relationship between charge and paths in a parallel capacitor circuit?
The total charge stored is split between the capacitors since charges can take either path.
What happens when capacitors are connected in series?
The potential difference is shared between them, but each capacitor stores the same charge.
What is the formula for total capacitance when capacitors are connected in series?
1/C_total = 1/C1 + 1/C2 + … + 1/Cn
What builds up on the plates of capacitors in a series connection?
A negative charge builds up on one plate while an equal positive charge builds up on the opposite plate.
What is the effect of disconnecting capacitor plates from the circuit?
Electrons are repelled, causing charge imbalances that lead to equal charges on the plates.
What is the first step in investigating capacitors in series?
Set up the circuit using three identical capacitors and set the variable resistor to a high resistance value.
What should be recorded once the switch is closed in an experimental setup?
The initial value of the current in the circuit.
What is the role of the data logger connected to the voltmeter during the experiment?
To record the potential difference over time.
What indicates that the capacitors are fully charged in the experiment?
The current drops to zero.
What should be done after the capacitors are fully charged?
Open the switch.
What is the purpose of plotting a graph of current against time?
To analyze the charging behavior of the capacitors.
What does the area beneath a current-time graph represent?
The total charge stored by the capacitors.
What is the equation used to calculate charge stored by the capacitors?
AQ = I × Δt
What does the gradient of a charge versus potential difference graph represent?
The total capacitance of the capacitors in the circuit.
What should the graphs look like for charge against potential difference?
They should be straight lines through the origin.
Fill in the blank: The total capacitance of capacitors in series can be found using _______.
1/C1 + 1/C2 + … + 1/C_total
True or False: In a parallel circuit, the total charge is the sum of the charges on each capacitor.
True
