Capacitors in Series & Parallel
- Recall the formula for the combined capacitance of capacitors in series:
- In parallel:
Ctotal = C1 + C2 + C3 …
Worked example: Calculating total capacitance between two points
Step 1: Calculate the combined capacitance of the two capacitors in parallel
Capacitors in parallel: Ctotal = C1 + C2 + C3 …
Cparallel = 23 + 35 = 58 μF
Step 2: Connect this combined capacitance with the final capacitor in series
Step 3: Rearrange for the total capacitance
Exam Tip
Both the combined capacitance equations look similar to the equations for combined resistance in series and parallel circuits. However, take note that they are the opposite way around to each other!
Capacitors in Simple Circuits
- Capacitors can be connected in series or parallel just like most electrical components in simple circuits
- However, the combined capacitance will vary depending on whether they are connected in series, parallel or a mix of the two
- This is called a network of capacitors
- This is similar to combining resistors
- Some functions of capacitors in simple circuits are:
- To store energy
- To separate charge
- In smoothing
- To block D.C
- To produce electrical oscillations
- To prevent electric sparks
- In timing circuits
