When capacitors are connected in series _______________ Varies

Question

Examoogle · Accepted Answer

Voltage across each capacitor

Explanation: When capacitors are connected in series, the same amount of charge ($Q$) is stored on each capacitor plate. However, because the total voltage ($V$) is distributed across the series network, the voltage drop across each individual capacitor depends on its capacitance ($V_i = Q/C_i$).

Working Principle: In a series circuit, there is only one path for the charge. When a DC source is connected, electrons are pushed from one terminal and collected at the other, resulting in identical displacement current through each component. Since $V = Q/C$, if the capacitances ($C_i$) are unequal, the potential difference across each capacitor must vary to maintain the equilibrium of total charge in the circuit.

Key Formulas: $V_{total} = V_1 + V_2 + ... + V_n$ — Total voltage is the sum of individual voltages; $V_i = \frac{Q}{C_i}$ — Voltage across $i^{th}$ capacitor

Key Points: The total charge $Q$ is identical for all capacitors in series.; The equivalent capacitance is always smaller than the smallest individual capacitor: $\frac{1}{C_{eq}} = \sum \frac{1}{C_i}$.; Voltage division is inverse to the capacitance value.

Advantages: Allows operation at voltages higher than the rating of a single capacitor.; Used to reduce the total effective capacitance in a circuit.

Disadvantages: Total capacitance decreases, limiting energy storage capacity.; If one capacitor fails (open circuit), the entire chain stops working.

Applications: High voltage power supply filtering.; Voltage divider circuits for AC signals.

Additional Info: In a series combination, the current (rate of change of charge) is the same through all elements.. Option B is incorrect because charge is constant in series circuits.. Option C is incorrect because total capacitance is constant for a fixed configuration.

Answer: A is correct — The total applied voltage is distributed across the series-connected capacitors in proportion to the reciprocal of their capacitances.

Exam Tip: Always remember: In series, Charge is constant; in parallel, Voltage is constant. This dual nature helps in solving complex network problems quickly.

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