CAPACITORS IN
SERIES $
PARALLEL
PHYSICS PROJECT FILE
Sarvagya Singhal
12th IIT
Acknowledgement
I thank my school for giving me a
platform to do some practical work on
analysis, interaction, and exposure
through the project work.
I am grateful to MR. Kapil Dev, Physics
teacher, for helping me in picking up
suitable topics for projects from everyday
life and her valuable suggestions and
guidance during the completion of this
project. I am highly obliged to her for
being the source of inspiration throughout
the project work.
I also express my gratitude and sincere
thanks to all those who supported me
directly or indirectly in gathering
information related to the project.
Certificate
This is to certify that SARVAGYA SINGHAL
of class 12th - IIT of Narayana E-Techno
school has completed his project work
entitled, under my supervision and
guidance in the department. All the works
related to the project was done by the
candidate. The approach towards the
subject has been sincere and scientific.
I certify that this Project File is up to my
expectations and guidelines provided by
the CBSE.
_________________
Examiner (PGT Physics)
o Table of Contents
Introduction
Theory of Capacitors
Capacitors in Series
Capacitors in Parallel
Experimental Setup
Observations and Calculations
References
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1. Introduction
Definition of Capacitors: A capacitor is a two-terminal electronic
component that stores electrical energy in an electric field.
Purpose of the Project: To study the behavior of capacitors when
connected in series and parallel and to understand their
applications.
2. Theory of Capacitors
Basic Principle: Capacitors store energy by accumulating charge
on their plates when connected to a voltage source.
Capacitance: Defined as the ratio of the charge stored on one
𝐶=𝑄/𝑉
plate of the capacitor to the voltage across the plates.
A capacitor operates by storing electrical energy in an electric field
created by the separation of charges on its plates. When a voltage
is applied, it charges up, storing energy, and when the voltage is
removed or a discharge path is provided, it releases the stored
energy. Capacitors are fundamental components in various
electronic circuits due to their ability to store and release energy
quickly.
Mainly three processes take place: -
1. Charging
2. Energy storage
3. Discharging
3. Capacitors in Series
Theory:
When capacitors are connected end-to-end, they are in series.
The reciprocal of the total capacitance 𝐶total of capacitors in series is
the sum of the reciprocals of their individual capacitances:
1/𝐶 total = (1/𝐶1+1/𝐶2+1/𝐶3+…)
Equation:
𝐶 total = 1/ (1/𝐶1+1/𝐶2+1/𝐶3+…)
Diagram:
Explanation:
When capacitors are connected in series, the overall capacitance of the
circuit decreases. The configuration of capacitors in series is often used
to achieve a specific capacitance value that may not be available with
individual capacitors.
Structure of Capacitors in Series
Series Connection: Capacitors are connected end-to-end so
that the same charge flows through each capacitor.
Voltage Distribution: The total voltage applied across the
series combination is the sum of the voltages across each
individual capacitor.
Working Principle
Charge Consistency: In a series connection, the same charge
(Q) flows through each capacitor because the charge has no
alternative path.
Voltage Division: The voltage across each capacitor depends
on its capacitance and the total charge.
For example:
4.Capacitors in Parallel:
Theory:
When capacitors are connected so that their terminals
are connected to the same two points, they are in
parallel.
The total capacitance 𝐶 total of capacitors in parallel is
𝐶total=𝐶1+𝐶2+𝐶3+…
the sum of their individual capacitances:
Equation: 𝐶 total=𝐶1+𝐶2+𝐶3+…
Key Points:
1. Parallel capacitors increase the total capacitance.
2. They share the same voltage but add up their charges.
3. Their practical applications include power supply filtering,
frequency filtering, and energy storage.
Diagram:
Structure of Capacitors in parallel
Parallel Connection: Capacitors are connected
independently connected to the same voltage source. The
voltage remains same across each capacitor but the charge
may vary.
Voltage Distribution: Capacitors in parallel have the same
voltage across their plates but have different charge on each
plate.
Working Principle
Charge Consistency: In a Parallel connection, different
charges flow through each capacitor because the charge has
alternative paths.
Voltage Division: The voltage across each capacitor depends
on its capacitance and the total charge.
Example:
5. Experimental setup
Let’s take an experimental setup, the most basic one:
Here, the Capacitors C1 and C2 are connected in series having
Capacitance 6uF and 3uF respectively and the Capacitor C3 is in
parallel combination to the other two capacitor. They are
connected ta battery of 12 V.
To resolve the circuit. Firstly, we’ll find the total capacitance for
the two capacitors connected in series. (C1 and C2)
Ctotal = (1/C1 + 1/C2)
= (1/6 + 1/3)
=1/2uF
= 0.5 uF
Now, we’ll find the net capacitance for the circuit.
Now, the 0.5uF and 8uF capacitor are in parallel so we’ll find the
net capacitance for them.
Cnet= Ctotal+ C3
= 0.5uF + 8uF
= 8.5uF
Hence, the net capacitance for the circuit is 8.5uF.
6. References:
"Fundamentals of Electric Circuits" by Charles K. Alexander and
Matthew N. O. Sadiku
"Introductory Circuit Analysis" by Robert L. Boylestad
"Electric Circuits" by James W. Nilsson and Susan Riedel
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