Three capacitors of capacitances ,

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

Problem

Three capacitors of capacitances

C_1

C_2

, and

C_3

are connected in series between terminals

X

and

Y

. Answer the following: (i) State the mathematical relation between

C_1

C_2

C_3

, and the equivalent capacitance

C_{\mathrm{eq}}

of the combination. (ii) Explain, with reason, why the magnitude of charge on each capacitor is the same when a steady potential difference is applied between

X

and

Y

. (iii) Using the relation stated in part (i), prove algebraically that

C_{\mathrm{eq}}

is smaller than the smallest of the three individual capacitances.

Related theory

Capacitance
Capacitor combinations
Capacitors in series
Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance

Browse the problem library