PHY-108 Module 05: Capacitance

MODULE 05: CAPACITANCE

(Dr. Rubaiyet I. Haque)

LECTURE 10
OUTLINE:
- Capacitance
- Capacitors in series and in parallel

BACKGROUND
- A capacitor is a device used to store electrical potential energy in an electric field.
- The batteries can supply energy only at a relatively modest rate. Too slow for the photoflash unit
to emit a flash of light.
o However, once the capacitor is charged, it can supply energy at a much greater rate when the
photoflash unit is triggered, enough energy to allow the unit to emit a burst of bright light.

CAPACITOR
A capacitor is a passive electrical component designed to store electric potential energy in the form
of an electric field between its plates. It can be charged and discharged through a resistor with the aid
of a power supply, allowing energy to be stored and released as needed in a circuit.
Let us consider a parallel plate capacitor, consisting of two equals but oppositely charged conductor
separated by a small gap between them.

Fig. (a) A parallel-plate capacitor. (b) As the field lines show, the electric field due to the charged plates.

Figure shows a parallel-plate capacitor, consisting of two parallel conducting plates of area 𝐴
separated by a distance 𝑑.
- A charged capacitor stores electric potential energy in the form of electrical field between its
plates.
- Capacitor is presented in circuit by the symbol .
- When a capacitor is charged, its plates have charges of equal magnitudes with opposite signs,
namely, +𝑞 and −𝑞.
- The charge of a capacitor as being referred as 𝑞. This is the absolute value of charges on one of
the plates of capacitor. The net charge on the capacitor is zero.
- As the plates of the capacitor are conductors, they are equipotential surfaces; all points on a plate
are at the same electric potential.
- Between two plates of the capacitor, there is a potential difference (𝑉).

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PHY-108 Module 05: Capacitance

CAPACITANCE
Capacitance is a measure of the ability of a capacitor to store charge. Capacitance depends on the
physical properties of the capacitor and the material between the plates.
Mathematically, it can be expressed as,
𝜀0 𝜀𝑟 𝐴
𝐶= = 𝜀𝑟 𝐶𝑎𝑖𝑟 [𝜀0 = 8.85 × 10−12 𝐶 2 /𝑁. 𝑚 = 8.85 × 10−12 𝐹/𝑚]
𝑑
Where 𝐶 is the capacitance of the capacitor, 𝜀0 is the permittivity of free space (vacuum), 𝜀𝑟 is the
relative permittivity (dielectric constant) of the dielectric material between the plates, 𝐴 is plate area
and 𝑑 is the distance between the plates, and 𝐶𝑎𝑖𝑟 is the capacitance of the capacitor with air in
between the plate (for air 𝜀𝑟 = 1).
When a capacitor with a capacitance of 𝐶 is connected in
a circuit and a voltage of 𝑉 is applied across it, the charge
(𝑞) stored on the capacitor can be calculated as,
𝑞 = 𝐶𝑉

- The SI unit of capacitance is farad (F). 1𝐹 = 1 𝐶𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑜𝑚𝑏 𝑝𝑒𝑟 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑡 = 1 𝐶/𝑉.

- The charge 𝑞 and the potential difference 𝑉 of a capacitor are proportional to each other. Thus,
𝑞 = 𝐶𝑉.
o The proportionality constant 𝐶 is called the capacitance of the capacitor.
o Capacitance is a measure of how much charge must be put on the plates to produce a certain
potential difference between them. The greater the capacitance, the more charge is required to
achieve the maximum potential.
o The value of capacitance (𝐶) depends only on the Geometry of the plates and not on their
charge or potential difference.

CHARGING OF A CAPACITOR
To charge a capacitor, it is placed in an electric circuit with a battery. The transient behavior of a
circuit with a battery, a resistor and a capacitor is governed by Ohm's law, the voltage law and the
definition of capacitance.
- The battery maintains potential difference 𝑉𝑏 between its terminals. The terminal with higher
potential is labeled as positive (+) terminal, and the terminal with lower potential is labeled 𝑎𝑠 the
negative (−) terminal.
- Initially, the plates are uncharged and, thus, the potential difference between them is zero.
- When the switch is closed, the circuit is completed, and charge can then flow through the switch
and the wires.
- The electric field drives electrons from capacitor plate ℎ to the positive terminal of the battery;
thus, plate h, losing electrons and becomes positively charged.
- The electric field drives equal number of electrons from the negative terminal of the battery to
capacitor plate 𝑙. Thus, the plate 𝑙, gaining electrons and becomes negatively charged.
- As the plates of the capacitor become oppositely charged, the potential difference (𝑉) between
plates increases until it equals to the potential difference 𝑉𝑏 supplied by the battery.

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PHY-108 Module 05: Capacitance

o The plate ℎ and the positive terminal of the battery are at the same potential, and there is no
longer an electric field in the wire between them.
o Similarly, plate 𝑙 and the negative terminal reach the same potential, and there is then no electric
field in the wire between them.
- Thus, with the electric field zero, there is no further drive of electrons.
- The capacitor is then fully charged, with a potential difference V between plates and charge q on
plates that are related by 𝑞 = 𝐶𝑉.

When a battery is connected to a series resistor and

capacitor:
- Initial current is high as the battery transports charge
from one plate of the capacitor to the other.
- Charging current asymptotically approaches zero as the
capacitor becomes charged up to the battery voltage.
- Charging the capacitor, stores energy in the electric
field between the capacitor plates. The rate of charging
is typically described in terms of a time constant 𝑅𝐶.
𝑉𝑏 = 𝑉𝑅 + 𝑉𝐶
𝑄
𝑉𝑏 = 𝐼𝑅 +
𝐶
As the charging progresses, current (𝐼) decreases and the
charge (𝑄) increases.

Charging: During charging, charge on the capacitor at time 𝑡 is given by,

𝑡
𝑄(𝑡) = 𝐶𝑉𝑏 [1 − 𝑒 − 𝑅𝐶 ] [𝑉0 = 𝑉𝑏 𝑖𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑏𝑎𝑡𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑦 𝑜𝑟 𝑏𝑖𝑎𝑠 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒]
Therefore, the voltage across the capacitor increases exponentially with time and is given by,
𝑄(𝑡) 𝑡 𝑡
𝑉𝑐 (𝑡) = = 𝑉𝑏 [1 − 𝑒 − 𝑅𝐶 ] = 𝑉0 [1 − 𝑒 − 𝑅𝐶 ] … … … (1)
𝐶
𝑑𝑄(𝑡) 𝑉
Charging current, 𝐼(𝑡) = = 𝑏 𝑒 −𝑡/𝑅𝐶
𝑑𝑡 𝑅
Here, 𝑉0 is the input voltage and 𝑉𝑐 (𝑡) is the voltage across the capacitor at a time 𝑡, and 𝐼(𝑡) is the
charging current across the resistor.

Discharging: If the battery was replaced by a short circuit, when the switch is closed the capacitor
would discharge itself back through the resistor, R as we now have a RC discharging circuit.
𝑄
𝑉𝑅 + 𝑉𝐶 = 𝐼𝑅 + = 0
𝐶
Therefore, the value of the charge on the capacitor at any
time during discharging.
𝑡
𝑄(𝑡) = 𝑄0 𝑒 − 𝑅𝐶
While discharging, the voltage across the capacitor at any
instant can be found by the following relationship

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PHY-108 Module 05: Capacitance

𝑄(𝑡) 𝑡
𝑉(𝑡) = = 𝑉0 𝑒 − 𝑅𝐶 … … … (2)
𝐶
Where 𝑉0 is the initial voltage across the capacitor, the
term 𝑅𝐶 refers to the time constant (𝜏).

Time constant (𝜏): The dimensions of 𝑅𝐶 is known as time constant.

- If 𝑅𝐶 << 1, charge (𝑄) will attain its final value rapidly.
- If 𝑅𝐶 >> 1, charge (𝑄) will do so slowly.
- Thus, 𝑅𝐶 determines the rate at which the capacitor charges (or discharges) through a resistance.
- Time constant is defined as the time required to charge the capacitor, through the resistor, to
𝟔𝟑. 𝟐% of full charge; or to discharge it to 𝟑𝟔. 𝟖% of its initial voltage.
Charging Discharging

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PHY-108 Module 05: Capacitance

CHECKPOINT: Does the capacitance 𝐶 of a capacitor increase, decrease, or remain the same (a)
when the charge q on it is doubled and (b) when the potential difference V across it is tripled?
ANSWER: (a) Same; (b) Same

CALCULATING THE CAPACITANCE

Once the geometry of the capacitor is known, the capacitance (𝐶) of a capacitor can be calculated.
- Assume a charge 𝑞 on the plates.
- Calculate the electric field between the plates in terms of this charges, using Gauss’ law.
- Calculate the potential difference V between the plates and calculate 𝐶.

Calculating the Electric Field between the plates of a capacitor:

Gauss’ law is used to relate the electric field between the plates of a capacitor to the charge q on either
plate, From Gauss’ law we know,
𝜀0 Φ = 𝑞𝑒𝑛𝑐

⇒ 𝜀0 ∮ 𝐸⃗ . 𝑑𝐴 = 𝑞 [∵ Φ = ∮ 𝐸⃗ . 𝑑𝐴]
𝑆 𝑆

Here q is the charge enclosed by a Gaussian surface and ∮𝑆 𝐸⃗ . 𝑑𝐴 is the net electric flux through that
surface.
Considering the Gaussian surface in such a way that the electric field passing through it has a uniform
magnitude and is everywhere parallel to the area vector. Therefore,
𝑞 = 𝜀0 𝐸𝐴 cos 0° = 𝜀0 𝐸𝐴
Here, 𝐴 is the area of that part of the Gaussian surface through which there is a flux. For convenience,
the Gaussian surface in drawn in such a way that it completely encloses the charge on the positive
plate.

Calculating the Potential Difference between the plates of a capacitor:

The potential difference between the plates of a capacitor is related to the field 𝐸⃗ by
𝑓 𝑓
𝑉 = ∆𝑉 = 𝑉𝑓 − 𝑉𝑖 = − ∫ 𝐸⃗ . 𝑑𝑠 [∵ 𝑊 = −∆𝑈 = −𝑞∆𝑉 = −𝑞(𝑉𝑓 − 𝑉𝑖 ) & 𝑊 = ∫ 𝑞𝐸⃗ . 𝑑𝑠]
𝑖 𝑖
+
𝑉+ − 𝑉− = − ∫ 𝐸⃗ . 𝑑𝑠
−
The integral is evaluated along the path that starts on one plate and ends on the other. In this case, a
path always refers from the negative plate to the positive plate. Here the + and – refers to that the
path of integration starts from the negative plate and ends to the positive plate. For this path, the
vectors 𝐸⃗ and 𝑑𝑠 are in opposite directions (𝜃 = 180°). Thus,
+ + + +
𝑉 = − ∫ 𝐸𝑑𝑠 cos 180° = − ∫ 𝐸𝑑𝑠(−1) = ∫ 𝐸𝑑𝑠 = ∫ 𝐸𝑑𝑠
− − − −

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PHY-108 Module 05: Capacitance

A PARALLEL PLATE CAPACITOR

Let us take the two parallel plates separated by a distance 𝑑,
which is small in compared to the linear dimension of the
plates. The surface area of each plat is 𝐴 and the surface
density of charge of one is +𝜎 and that of the other is −𝜎.
From the application of the Gauss law, we know that the
intensity between two parallel plates with air in between is,
𝑄 𝜎 𝑄
𝑄 = 𝜀0 𝐸𝐴 ⇒𝐸= = [𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑒, 𝜎 = ]
𝜀0 𝐴 𝜀0 𝐴
Potential difference between the plate is 𝑉 = 𝑉+ − 𝑉− . The potential difference 𝑉 is the work done in
carrying a unit charge from one plate to the other. Here,
+ 𝑑
𝜎𝑑 𝑑
𝑉 = ∫ 𝐸𝑑𝑠 = 𝐸 ∫ 𝑑𝑠 = 𝐸𝑑 = =( )𝑄
− 0 𝜀0 𝜀0 𝐴
𝑓 𝑓 𝑓
[∵ ∆𝑉 = 𝑉+ − 𝑉− = − ∫ 𝐸⃗ . 𝑑𝑠 = − ∫ 𝐸 𝑑𝑠 cos 180° = + ∫ 𝐸 𝑑𝑠]
𝑖 𝑖 𝑖
𝑄 𝜀0 𝐴
⇒ =𝐶= [∵ 𝐶 = 𝑄/𝑉]
𝑉 𝑑
𝜀0 𝐴
𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑒, 𝐶 = [𝜀0 = 8.85 × 10−12 𝐶 2 /𝑁. 𝑚 = 8.85 × 10−12 𝐹/𝑚]
𝑑
Thus, the capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor is directly proportional to the area of plates and
inversely proportional to the distance of separation between the plate.

A CYLINDRICAL CAPACITOR
Figure shows a cross-section view of a co-axial
cylindrical capacitor of length L formed by two
coaxial cylinders of radii 𝑎 and 𝑏. We assume
that 𝐿 ≫ 𝑏. Each plate contains a charge of
magnitude 𝑄.
From Gauss’ law we know,
𝑄
𝑄 = 𝜀0 𝐸𝐴 = 𝜀0 𝐸(2𝜋𝑟𝐿) ⇒𝐸=
2𝜋𝜀0 𝑟𝐿
Potential difference between the plate is 𝑉 = 𝑉+ − 𝑉− . The potential difference 𝑉 is the work done in
carrying a unit charge from one plate to the other. Here,
+ 𝑎 𝑏
𝑄 𝑄 𝑄
𝑉 = ∫ 𝐸𝑑𝑠 = ∫ ( ) 𝑑𝑟 = − ∫ 𝑑𝑟 = − [ln 𝑟]𝑏𝑎
− 𝑏 2𝜋𝜀 0 𝑟𝐿 𝑎 2𝜋𝜀 0 𝑟𝐿 2𝜋𝜀0 𝐿
𝑄 𝑄 𝑏
𝑉=− [ln 𝑏 − ln 𝑎] = − ln
2𝜋𝜀0 𝐿 2𝜋𝜀0 𝐿 𝑎
𝑄 𝐿
𝐶 = = −2𝜋𝜀0
𝑉 𝑏
ln ( )
𝑎
The negative sign in the expression for 𝑉 arises because we are calculating the potential difference
from the outer cylinder (radius 𝑏) to the inner cylinder (radius 𝑎). However, capacitance is a positive
quantity by definition, as it represents the ability to store charge per unit voltage. Therefore, by taking
the absolute value of the potential difference when calculating capacitance, we get

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PHY-108 Module 05: Capacitance

𝑄 𝐿
𝐶= = 2𝜋𝜀0
𝑉 𝑏
ln ( )
𝑎

A SPHERICAL CAPACITOR
Consider two concentric spheres of radius ‘a’ and ‘b’ respectively. The
inner sphere has uniformly distributed charge +𝑄 on its outer surface. The
outer sphere is grounded and consequently is at zero potential. There will
be charge −𝑄 on the inner surface of the outer sphere.
The electric field intensity between the spheres will be due to charges (𝑄)
on the outer surface of the inner sphere, and equal but opposite charges (𝑄)
induction on the inner surface of the outer sphere. The 𝐸 between plates,
1 𝑄
𝐸=
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟 2
Potential difference, 𝑉 = 𝑉+ − 𝑉−
+
𝑄𝑎 𝑏
𝑄 𝑄 𝑏
𝑑𝑟 𝑄 1𝑏
𝑉 = ∫ 𝐸𝑑𝑠 = ∫ ( 2
) 𝑑𝑟 = − ∫ 2
𝑑𝑟 = − ∫ =− [− ]
− 𝑏 4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟 𝑎 4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟 4𝜋𝜀0 𝑎 𝑟 2 4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟 𝑎
𝑄 1 1 𝑄 1 1 𝑄 𝑏−𝑎
𝑉= ( − )=− ( − )=− ( )
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑏 𝑎 4𝜋𝜀0 𝑎 𝑏 4𝜋𝜀0 𝑎𝑏
𝑄 4𝜋𝜀0 𝑎𝑏
∵𝐶= =−
𝑉 (𝑏 − 𝑎)
Therefore, by taking the absolute value of the potential difference, we get,
𝑄 4𝜋𝜀0 𝑎𝑏
𝐶= =
𝑉 (𝑏 − 𝑎)
AN ISOLATED SPHERE
A capacitance to a single isolated spherical conductor of radius 𝑅 can also be assigned by assuming
that the “missing plate” is a conducting sphere of infinite radius. Considering the field lines that leave
the surface of a positively charged isolated conductor end at infinity. We know capacitance for a
spherical capacitor,
𝑎𝑏 𝑎
𝐶 = 4𝜋𝜀0 = 4𝜋𝜀0
(𝑏 − 𝑎) (1 − 𝑎/𝑏)
Now considering 𝑏 → ∞, and substituting 𝑎 = 𝑅, we get
𝐶 = 4𝜋𝜀0 𝑅
Therefore, an isolated sphere of radius R has a capacitance 𝐶 = 4 𝜋𝜀0 𝑅

CHECKPOINT: For capacitors charged by the same battery, does the charge stored by the
capacitor increase, decrease, or remain the same in each of the following situations? (a) The plate
separation of a parallel-plate capacitor is increased. (b) The radius of the inner cylinder of a
cylindrical capacitor is increased. (c) The radius of the outer spherical shell of a spherical capacitor
is increased.
ANSWER: (a) decreases; (b) increases; (c) decreases

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PHY-108 Module 05: Capacitance

PROBLEM: In Fig. a, switch 𝑆 is closed to

connect the uncharged capacitor of capacitance
𝐶 = 0.25 𝜇𝐹 to the battery of potential difference
𝑉 = 12 𝑉.
The lower capacitor plate has thickness 𝐿 = 0.50 𝑐𝑚 and face area 𝐴 = 2.0 × 10−4 𝑚2 , and it
consists of copper, in which the density of conduction electrons is 𝑛 = 8.49 × 1028 𝑒𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑟𝑜𝑛𝑠/
𝑚3 . From what depth 𝑑 within the plate (Fig. b) must electrons move to the plate face as the
capacitor becomes charged?
ANSWER: Since the lower plate is connected to the negative terminal of the battery, conduction
electrons move up to the face of the plate. The total charge magnitude that collects there is
𝑞 = 𝐶𝑉 = (0.25 × 10−6 𝐹)(12 𝑉) = 3.0 × 10−6 𝐶
Dividing this result by 𝑒 (= 1.6 × 10−19 𝐶) gives us the number 𝑁 of conduction electrons that
come up to the face:
𝑞 3.0 × 10−6 𝐶
𝑁= = = 1.873 × 1013 𝑒𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑟𝑜𝑛𝑠
𝑒 1.6 × 10−19 𝐶
These electrons come from a volume (𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 = 𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑎 (𝐴) ∗ 𝑑𝑒𝑝𝑡ℎ(𝑑)). Thus, from the density
of conduction electrons (number per volume), we can write
𝑁 𝑁
Number charge per unit volume, 𝑛 = =
𝑉 𝐴𝑑
𝑁 (1.873 × 1013 𝑒𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑟𝑜𝑛𝑠)
𝑑= = = 1.1 × 10−12 𝑚 = 1.1 𝑝𝑚
𝑛𝐴 (8.49 × 1028 𝑒𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑟𝑜𝑛𝑠/𝑚3 )(2.0 × 10−4 𝑚2 )

PROBLEM: (a) In Fig. a, are capacitors 1 and 3 in

series? (b) In the same figure, are capacitors 1 and
2 in parallel? (c) Rank the equivalent capacitances
of the four circuits shown in Fig., greatest first.
ANSWER: (a) Capacitor 1 and Capacitor 3 are not
in series. The potential V due to the battery
produces charge on the bottom plate of capacitor 3.
That charge causes charge to shift from the top plate
of capacitor 3. This charge can shift to the bottom
plate of capacitor 1 or to the bottom plate of
capacitor 2. Because there is more than one path for
the shifting charge to move, Capacitor 1 and
Capacitor 3 are not in series.
(b) Yes. The two capacitors are separated at a branch and if an electron goes through one capacitor,
it cannot go through the other. Therefore, the capacitors are in parallel.
(c) The equivalent capacitance in all four circuits is the same.
In all four circuits, C1 and C2 are in parallel. The equivalent capacitance of these two capacitors is
equal in all four circuits. In all four circuits, the equivalent capacitance of C1 and C2 is then in
series with C3. Therefore, the equivalent capacitance in all four circuits is the same.

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PHY-108 Module 05: Capacitance

PROBLEM: When a dielectric slab is inserted between the plates

of one of the two identical capacitors in Figure, do the following
properties of that capacitor increase, decrease, or remain the same:
(a) capacitance, (b) charge, (c) potential difference, and (d) potential
energy?
ANSWER: (a) The capacitance increases. When a dielectric is inserted in a capacitor, the dielectric
increases the capacitance. As a result, the capacitance increases.
(b) The charge on the capacitor increases. When a dielectric is inserted in a capacitor, the dielectric
increases the capacitance of the capacitor. The capacitance increases. Because the capacitance of
the capacitor with the dielectric increases, the equivalent capacitance of the two capacitors also
increases. Since the potential difference across the circuit remains the same, the charge must
increase, since in general 𝑞 = 𝐶𝑉. Thus, the charge on the capacitor increases.
(c) The potential difference across the capacitor with the dielectric decreases. When a dielectric is
inserted in a capacitor, the dielectric increases the capacitance of the capacitor. The capacitance
increases. Because the capacitance of the capacitor with the dielectric increases, the equivalent
capacitance of the two capacitors also increases. Since the total potential difference across both
capacitors remains the same, the charge must increase, since in general 𝑞 = 𝐶𝑉. The charge on the
capacitor with the dielectric increases.
Then the charge on the other capacitor must also increase, which in turn produces a greater potential
difference across the other capacitor. Since the total potential difference across both capacitors is
equal to the battery voltage which does not change, the potential difference across the capacitor
with the dielectric must decrease.
1
(d) Potential energy is increased. Since energy stored is 𝐶𝛥𝑉2 , and if 𝐶 increases when dielectric
2
is placed between plates of capacitor with 𝑉 constant, then energy stored is increased.

PROBLEM 25-03: A parallel-plate capacitor has circular plates of 8.20 𝑐𝑚 radius and 1.30 𝑚𝑚
separation. (a) Calculate the capacitance. (b) Find the charge for a potential difference of 120 𝑉.

PROBLEM 25-04: The plates of a spherical capacitor have radii 38.0 𝑚𝑚 and 40.0 𝑚𝑚. (a)
Calculate the capacitance. (b) What must be the plate area of a parallel-plate capacitor with the
same plate separation and capacitance?

PROBLEM 25-05: What is the capacitance of a drop that results when two mercury spheres, each
of radius 𝑅 = 2.00 𝑚𝑚, merge?

CAPACITOR IN PARALLEL AND SERIES

When there is a combination of capacitors in a circuit, sometimes that combination can be replaced
with an equivalent capacitor, that is, a single capacitor that has the same capacitance as the actual
combination of capacitors. Here two basic combinations of capacitors are discussed.

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PHY-108 Module 05: Capacitance

Capacitor in Parallel
When capacitors are connected in parallel, their terminals are connected to the same nodes or points
within an electrical circuit. Connecting capacitors in parallel means that the voltage across each
capacitor is the same, but the total capacitance increases. Figure a shows an electric circuit in which
three capacitors are connected in parallel to battery B.

Figure. (a) Three capacitors connected in parallel to battery B. The battery maintains potential difference 𝑉 across its
terminals and thus across each capacitor. (b) The equivalent capacitor, with capacitance 𝐶𝑒𝑞 , replaces the parallel
combination.
When a potential difference V is applied across several capacitors connected in parallel, that potential
difference V is applied across each capacitor. The total charge q stored on the capacitors is the sum
of the charges stored on all the capacitors.
Capacitors connected in parallel can be replaced with an equivalent capacitor that has the same total
charge q and the same potential difference Vas the actual capacitors.
The charges on each capacitor can be given by
𝑞1 = 𝐶1 𝑉 , 𝑞2 = 𝐶2 𝑉 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑞3 = 𝐶3 𝑉
The total charge on the parallel combination of Fig. a is then,
𝑞 = 𝑞1 + 𝑞2 + 𝑞3 = (𝐶1 + 𝐶2 + 𝐶3 )𝑉
The equivalent capacitance, with the same total charge q and applied potential difference V as the
combination, is then,
𝑞
= 𝐶𝑒𝑞 = 𝐶1 + 𝐶2 + 𝐶3
𝑉
a result that we can easily extend to any number n of capacitors, as
𝑛

𝐶𝑒𝑞 = ∑ 𝐶𝑗 (𝑛 𝑐𝑎𝑝𝑎𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑠 𝑖𝑛 𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑙)

𝑗=1

Thus, to find the equivalent capacitance of a parallel combination, we simply add the individual
capacitances.

Capacitors in Series
“In series” means that the capacitors are wired serially, one after the other. A potential difference 𝑉
is applied across the two ends of the series using battery. The potential differences that then exist
across the capacitors in the series produce identical charges 𝑞 on them. And thus, the same current
flows through each capacitor. However, the total capacitance decreases compared to individual
capacitors. Figure a shows three capacitors connected in series to battery B.

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PHY-108 Module 05: Capacitance

Figure. (a) Three capacitors connected in series to battery 𝐵. The battery maintains potential difference 𝑉 between the
top and bottom plates of the series combination. (b) The equivalent capacitor, with capacitance 𝐶𝑒𝑞 , replaces the series
combination.

When a potential difference V is applied across several capacitors connected in series, the capacitors
have identical charge 𝑞. The sum of the potential differences across all the capacitors is equal to the
applied potential difference V.
Two important points about capacitors in series:
- When charge is shifted from one capacitor to another in a series of capacitors, it can move along
only one route.
- The battery directly produces charges on only the two plates to which it is connected (the bottom
plate of capacitor 3 and the top plate of capacitor 1 in Fig. a). Charges that are produced on the
other plates are due merely to the shifting of charge already there. Thus, its charge can only be
redistributed.
Capacitors that are connected in series can be replaced with an equivalent capacitor that has the same
charge q and the same total potential difference V as the actual series capacitors.

The potential difference of each capacitor:

𝑞 𝑞 𝑞
𝑉1 = , 𝑉2 = 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑉3 =
𝐶1 𝐶2 𝐶3
The total potential difference V due to the battery is the sum
1 1 1
𝑉 = 𝑉1 + 𝑉2 + 𝑉3 = 𝑞 ( + + )
𝐶1 𝐶2 𝐶3
The equivalent capacitance is then,
𝑉 1 1 1 1
= = + +
𝑞 𝐶𝑒𝑞 𝐶1 𝐶2 𝐶3
a result that we can easily extend to any number n of capacitors, as
𝑛
1 1
=∑ (𝑛 𝑐𝑎𝑝𝑎𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑠 𝑖𝑛 𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑙)
𝐶𝑒𝑞 𝐶𝑗
𝑗=1

Thus, the equivalent capacitance of a series of capacitances is always less than the least capacitance
in the series.

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PHY-108 Module 05: Capacitance

CHECKPOINT: A battery of potential V stores charge q on a combination of two identical

capacitors. What are the potential difference across, and the charge on either capacitor if the
capacitors are (a) in parallel and (b) in series?
𝑞 𝑉
ANSWER: (a) 𝑉, ; (b) ; 𝑞
2 2

PROBLEM: (a) Find the equivalent capacitance for the

combination of capacitances shown in Fig, across which
potential difference V is applied. Assume 𝐶1 = 12.0 𝜇𝐹, 𝐶2 =
5.30 𝜇𝐹 and 𝐶3 = 4.50 𝜇𝐹
(b) The potential difference applied to the input terminals in
Fig. is 𝑉 = 12.5 𝑉. What is the charge on 𝐶1 ?
ANSWER:

(a) In figure a, capacitor 𝐶1 and 𝐶2 are in parallel connection. Therefore,

𝐶12 = 𝐶1 + 𝐶2 = 12.0 𝜇𝐹 + 5.30 𝜇𝐹 = 17.30 𝜇𝐹
Now in figure b, equivalent capacitor 𝐶12 and 𝐶3 is in series. Therefore,
1 1 1 1 1
= + = +
𝐶123 𝐶12 𝐶3 17.3 𝜇𝐹 4.50 𝜇𝐹
𝐶123 = 3.57 𝜇𝐹
(b) When voltage is applied across a capacitor then we can write, 𝑞 = 𝐶𝑉. Thus, for the capacitor
𝐶123 , we can write,
𝑞123 = 𝐶123 𝑉 = (3.57 × 10−6 𝐹)(12.5 𝑉) = 44.6 × 10−6 𝐶 = 44.6 𝜇𝐶
The series capacitors 𝐶12 and 𝐶3 in Fig. b each have the same charge as their equivalent capacitor
𝐶123 (Fig. f). Thus, capacitor 𝐶12 has charge 𝑞12 = 𝑞123 = 44.6 𝜇𝐶. From figure g, potential
difference across capacitor 𝐶12 must be

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PHY-108 Module 05: Capacitance

𝑞12 44.6 𝜇𝐶
𝑉12 = = = 2.58 𝑉
𝐶12 17.3 𝜇𝐹
The parallel capacitors 𝐶1 and 𝐶2 each have the same potential difference as their equivalent
capacitor 𝐶12 (Fig. h). Thus, capacitor 𝐶1 has potential difference 𝑉1 = 𝑉12 = 2.58 𝑉, and, from
figure i, the charge on capacitor 𝐶1 must be,
𝑞1 = 𝐶1 𝑉1 = (12.0 𝜇𝐹)(2.58 𝑉) = 31.0 𝜇𝐶

PROBLEM: Capacitor 1, with 𝐶1 = 3.55 𝜇𝐹,

is charged to a potential difference 𝑉0 =
6.30 𝑉, using a 6.30 𝑉 battery. The battery is
then removed, and the capacitor is connected
as in Figure to an uncharged capacitor 𝐶2 , with
𝐶2 = 8.95 𝜇𝐹. When switch S is closed, charge flows between the capacitors. Find the charge
on each capacitor when equilibrium is reached.
ANSWER: Initially, when capacitor 1 is connected to the battery, the charge it acquires is,
𝑞0 = 𝐶1 𝑉0 = (3.55 × 10−6 𝐹)(6.50 𝑉) = 22.365 × 10−6 𝐶
When switch S in Fig. is closed and capacitor 1 begins to charge capacitor 2, the electric potential
and charge on capacitor 1 decrease and those on capacitor 2 increase until,
𝑉1 = 𝑉2
𝑞1 𝑞2
We can rewrite this as, =
𝐶1 𝐶2

Because the total charge cannot magically change, the total after the transfer must be
𝑞1 + 𝑞2 = 𝑞0 ⇒ 𝑞2 = 𝑞0 − 𝑞1
𝑞1 𝑞0 −𝑞1
We can now rewrite the second equilibrium equation as, =
𝐶1 𝐶2

Solving this for 𝑞1 and substituting given data, we find 𝑞1 = 6.35 𝜇𝐶

The rest of the initial charge (𝑞0 = 22.365 𝜇𝐶) must be on capacitor 2: 𝑞2 = 16.0 𝜇𝐶

PROBLEM 25-14: In Figure, the battery has a potential difference

of 𝑉𝑏 = 10.0 𝑉 and the five capacitors each have a capacitance of
10.0 𝜇𝐹. What is the charge on (a) capacitor 1 and (b) capacitor 2?

PROBLEM 25-15: In Figure, a 20.0 𝑉 battery is connected

across capacitors of capacitances 𝐶1 = 𝐶6 = 3.00 𝜇𝐹 and 𝐶3 =
𝐶5 = 2.00 𝐶2 = 2.00 𝐶4 = 4.00 𝜇𝐹.What are (a) the equivalent
capacitance 𝐶𝑒𝑞 of the capacitors and (b) the charge stored by
𝐶𝑒𝑞 ? What are (c) 𝑉1 and (d) 𝑞1 of capacitor 1, (e) 𝑉2 and (f) 𝑞2
of capacitor 2, and (g) 𝑉3 and (h) 𝑞3 of capacitor 3?

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PHY-108 Module 05: Capacitance

PROBLEM 25-19: In Figure, the battery has potential

difference 𝑉 = 9.0 𝑉, 𝐶2 = 3.0 𝜇𝐹, 𝐶4 = 4.0 𝜇𝐹, and
all the capacitors are initially uncharged. When switch
𝑆 is closed, a total charge of 12 𝜇𝐶 passes through point
a and a total charge of 8.0 𝜇𝐶 passes through point b.
What are (a) 𝐶1 and (b) 𝐶3 ?

PROBLEM 25-27: Figure shows a 12.0 𝑉 battery and four

uncharged capacitors of capacitances 𝐶1 = 1.00 𝜇𝐹, 𝐶2 =
2.00 𝜇𝐹, 𝐶3 = 3.00 𝜇𝐹, and 𝐶4 = 4.00 𝜇𝐹. If only switch 𝑆1
is closed, what is the charge on (a) capacitor 1, (b) capacitor
2, (c) capacitor 3, and (d) capacitor 4? If both switches are
closed, what is the charge on (e) capacitor 1, (f) capacitor 2,
(g) capacitor 3, and (h) capacitor 4?

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