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1.) Find the equivalent capacitance when another capacitor of 3000 micro-farad i

ID: 1262693 • Letter: 1

Question

1.) Find the equivalent capacitance when another capacitor of 3000 micro-farad is connected in series with the 1500 micro-farad capacitor.

2.) Now, the 3000 micro-farad capacitor is removed from the system. Find the equivalent capacitance when the 3000 micro-farad capacitor is connected in parallel with the 1500 micro-farad capacitor.

2.) Calculate how much energy is stored in each system of capacitors (i.e. series and parallel) in the previous two questions. What does this indicate to you as to a possible reason for connecting capacitors in series or parallel?

1.) Find the equivalent capacitance when another capacitor of 3000 micro-farad is connected in series with the 1500 micro-farad capacitor. 2.) Now, the 3000 micro-farad capacitor is removed from the system. Find the equivalent capacitance when the 3000 micro-farad capacitor is connected in parallel with the 1500 micro-farad capacitor. 2.) Calculate how much energy is stored in each system of capacitors (i.e. series and parallel) in the previous two questions. What does this indicate to you as to a possible reason for connecting capacitors in series or parallel?

Explanation / Answer

(1) When two capacitors are in series, then equivalent capacitance is

Ceq = C1 * C2 / [C1 + C2]

= 3000 * 1500 / [ 3000 + 1500]

= 1000 micro-farad

(2) When capacitors are in series

Ceq = C1 + C2 = 3000 + 1500 = 4500 micro-farad

(3) Energy stored in equivalent parallel capacitors

U = CV2 / 2 = 1000 x 10-6 x 3 x 3 / 2 = 4.5 x 10-3 J

Energy stored in equivalent series capacitors

U = CV2 / 2 = 4500 x 10-6  x 3 x 3 / 2 = 20.25 x 10-3 J