Key relationship
Cparallel=C₁+C₂; 1/Cseries=1/C₁+1/C₂.
Physics · Class 12
Series and parallel capacitors
Series capacitors share charge and split voltage inversely with capacitance. Parallel capacitors share voltage and their charges add.
Open the interactive experiment →Series and parallel capacitors
தொடர் தேக்கிகளில் மின்னூட்டம் சமம். பக்கத் தேக்கிகளில் மின்னழுத்தம் சமம்.
Key notes, relationships and model limits
Remember
Series capacitors share charge and split voltage inversely with capacitance. Parallel capacitors share voltage and their charges add.
Common trap
Series capacitors share charge; parallel capacitors share voltage. Series equivalent capacitance is smaller than either member.
Model limits
Two ideal capacitors with fixed capacitances are connected in series or parallel. Leakage, dielectric breakdown and stray capacitance are omitted.
What you will learn
Use the controls and plotted relation to explain series and parallel capacitors.
Try the experiment
Try both scenarios, change one control, and predict the result before checking the graph and readouts.
Think of it this way
Change one input while keeping the others fixed, as you would in a controlled experiment.
Worked example
10 and 20 µF give 6.67 µF in series and 30 µF in parallel.
Why this matters
The model connects series and parallel capacitors with an observable reading. Check the equation and assumptions before applying it.
Before you start
SI units · algebra · graph reading
Check your understanding
For 10 µF and 20 µF in series, the equivalent is?
- 30 µF, obtained by direct addition.
- 6.67 µF, smaller than either capacitor.
- 15 µF, the arithmetic mean.
Read the explanation
6.67 µF, smaller than either capacitor.
Course connection: Class XII Chapter 2. Consult the roadmap for CBSE, NEET, JEE Main and Advanced scope.