Question

Two capacitors C_1 and C_2 are connected in parallel. The total charge of the capacitors is Q. What is the voltage on the system? What are the charges of the capacitors? Calculate numerical values for V = 6 V and C_1 = 1 mu F and C_2 = 3 mu F.

Answer 1

equivalent capacitance will be:

Ceq = C1 + C2

Net charge = Q

We know that:

Q = Ceq*V

V = Q/Ceq

V = Q/(C1 + C2)

Now in parallel circuit voltage on each capacitor will be same, So

V1 = V2 = V

Q1 = C1*V1 = C1*V

Q1 = C1*Q/(C1 + C2)

Similarly

Q2 = C2*Q/(C1 + C2)

for given values:

Q = Ceq*V

Q = (1 + 3)*6 = 24 uC

Q1 = C1*V = 1*6 = 6 uC

Q2 = C2*V = 3*6 = 18 uC