A network of three capacitors is connected across an battery

PHYSICS · Multi-part · CBSE · Physics · Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance · Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance

Problem

A network of three capacitors is connected across an

18\,\text{V}

battery. Two of the capacitors,

C_1 = 4.0\,\mu\text{F}

and

C_2 = 12\,\mu\text{F}

, are connected in series with each other. This series branch is connected in parallel with a third capacitor

C_3 = 3.0\,\mu\text{F}

between the same pair of terminals. (a) Determine the equivalent capacitance of the branch containing

C_1

and

C_2

. (b) Calculate the total equivalent capacitance of the complete three–capacitor network. (c) Once fully charged, compute the total energy stored in the entire network. (d) Find the energy stored specifically in the

3.0\,\mu\text{F}

capacitor and explain how the values obtained in parts (c) and (d) illustrate conservation of energy within the circuit.

Related theory

Energy Stored in Capacitors
Capacitance
Capacitor combinations
Combination of capacitors
Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance

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