General Physics 2: Capacitors in Series and Parallel

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What is the primary function of a capacitor in an electric circuit?

To act as a damper, slowing down the sudden movement of current (correct)

To increase the voltage of the power source

To convert AC to DC voltage

To amplify the flow of electric current

What is the main purpose of using a capacitor in a power supply?

To provide a stable current flow

To regulate the output voltage

To filter out high-frequency noise (correct)

To prevent overheating of the power supply

What is the term for the flow of electrons in an electric circuit?

Voltage drop

Current flow

Electricity (correct)

Electron flow

What is a schematic diagram also known as?

Electronic symbol Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a conducting wire in an electric circuit?

To establish an electrical connection between the power source and the load Signup and view all the answers

Why do we need capacitors in electronic devices?

To store electric charges Signup and view all the answers

What happens when a constant positive potential difference is applied between points A and B?

The capacitors become charged Signup and view all the answers

What is the magnitude of charge on all conducting plates?

The same for all plates Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the electric field of the positive charge on the top plate of C1?

It pulls negative charge up to the bottom plate of C1 Signup and view all the answers

What is the total charge on the lower plate of C1 and the upper plate of C2?

Zero Signup and view all the answers

Why does the top plate of C2 become positively charged?

Due to the electric field of the positive charge on the top plate of C1 Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the fact that the plates are not connected to anything except each other?

It means the total charge on the connected plates is zero Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the potential differences of individual capacitors when connected in series?

They add to give the total potential difference Signup and view all the answers

What is the total capacitance of a series combination of capacitors?

The reciprocal of the sum of the reciprocals of the individual capacitances Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a schematic diagram in a circuit analysis?

To visualize the circuit and identify the components Signup and view all the answers

What is the equivalent capacitor in a parallel connection?

A single capacitor with the same total capacitance and potential difference Signup and view all the answers

What is the total charge of a parallel combination of capacitors?

Q1 + Q2 Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of connecting the upper plates of the capacitors in a parallel connection?

To form an equipotential surface Signup and view all the answers

What does the symbol V1 denote in a series connection of capacitors?

The potential difference across the first capacitor Signup and view all the answers

What is the equivalent capacitance of a series combination of capacitors defined as?

The capacitance of a single capacitor for which the charge is the same as for the combination Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between the reciprocal of the equivalent capacitance and the reciprocals of the individual capacitances in a series combination?

The reciprocal of the equivalent capacitance is equal to the sum of the reciprocals of the individual capacitances Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of a series connection of capacitors?

The total capacitance is always less than any individual capacitance Signup and view all the answers

What is true about the magnitude of charge on the plates of capacitors in a series combination?

The magnitude of charge is the same on all plates of the capacitors Signup and view all the answers

What is the equivalent capacitance of a parallel combination of capacitors?

The sum of the individual capacitances Signup and view all the answers

What is a condition for the potential differences of individual capacitors to be the same in a series combination?

The individual capacitances are the same Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between the potential differences and the charges on individual capacitors in a parallel combination?

The potential differences are the same, but the charges are different Signup and view all the answers

What is the total charge on a parallel combination of capacitors?

The sum of the individual charges Signup and view all the answers

How do you find the equivalent capacitance of multiple capacitors in parallel?

Add the individual capacitances Signup and view all the answers

What is the condition for the charges on individual capacitors to be the same in a parallel combination?