Practice question
Question
Two capacitors of \( 70 \, \text{pF} \) and \( 140 \, \text{pF} \) are connected in series. What is the
equivalent capacitance?
Explanation
**Series combination** of capacitors has same charge Q on each because connected end-to-end, single path for charge flow, induced charges equal, total voltage V = Σ V_i = Q Σ 1/C_i, so 1/C_eq = Σ 1/C_i. Different potential differences V_i = Q/C_i inversely proportional to C_i, smaller C gets larger V. (1/C) = (1/70) + (1/140) = (2 + 1/140) = (3/140) . C = (140/3) ≈ 46.67 pF . Using V = kQ/r, U = k q₁q₂/r, E = -dV/dr, C = ε₀A/d, 1/C_eq series, C_eq = ΣC parallel, U = ½ C V² and common potential V = Q_total/C_total, result 46.67 pF follows, reflecting potential-capacitance relations.
Discussion
Comments
Please log in to join the discussion.
Login to commentNo comments yet. Be the first to start the discussion.