Capacitors in Series and Parallel Questions 1) For each connection, calculate th

Question

Capacitors in Series and Parallel Questions

1) For each connection, calculate the amount of energy stored in each of the three capacitors. Add up these energies to get the total energy stored in each of the series and parallel connections. (Fill the tabel below provided labeled "Energy Stored in Capacitors ") SHOW YOUR WORK :)

2) Which way should capacitors be connected to give you the largest amount of energy stored?

Series Connection

Parallel Connection

Energy Stored in Capacitors

Capacitance (F) Voltage (V) Charge (mC) 490E-6 3.619 1.773 1226E-6 1.377 1.680 1989E-6 .885 1.760

Explanation / Answer

Series Connection:

U1 = 0.5CV^2 = 0.5*490E-6*3.619^2 = 3.209 mJ

U2 = 0.5*1226E-6*1.377^2 = 1.162 mJ

U3 = 0.5*1989E-6*0.885^2 = 0.779 mJ

UTotal=U1+U2+U3= 3.209 + 1.162 + 0.779 = 5.15 mJ

For Parallel Connection:

U1 = 0.5CV^2 = 0.5*490E-6*5.88^2 = 8.471 mJ

U2 = 0.5*1226E-6*5.88^2 = 21.194 mJ

U3 = 0.5*1989E-6*5.88^2 = 34.384 mJ

UTotal=U1+U2+U3= 8.471 + 21.194 + 34.384 = 64.049 mJ

2) As Energy stored = U = 0.5CV^2

So, for the largest amount of energy stored, the capacitors must be connected in parallel as in parallel, Voltage remains same and energy varies with square of voltage.

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