PhysicsChapter 5: Electric Potential and Capacitor
Capacitors in Parallel
Capacitors are connected in parallel
Definition
Capacitors are connected in parallel when each capacitor is connected across the same two nodes and therefore has the same potential difference.
Important Result
For parallel capacitors: V₁=V₂=...=V Total charge supplied: Q=Q₁+Q₂+... Since: Qᵢ=CᵢV then: Q=V(C₁+C₂+...) But: Q=CeqV Therefore: C_eq=C₁+C₂+... Parallel equivalent capacitance is greater than any individual capacitance.
Physical Meaning
Parallel connection effectively increases the total available plate area, which explains qualitatively why capacitance increases.
Formula / Key Relation
**Ceq=ΣCᵢ**
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Review the key facts, formulas and checks before you move on.Capacitors in Parallel
Sticky Notes · Quick Revision
PARALLEL
- Same V
- `Q=Q₁+Q₂+...`
- `Ceq=C₁+C₂+...`
60-second revision
- Parallel capacitances add directly.
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