PHYSICS · Multi-part · A Level · Physics · Fields and their consequences · Fields and their consequences
Problem
In a laboratory demonstration, three capacitors labeled C1, C2, and C3 are connected across the same ideal dc power supply so that the potential difference across each device is identical.
Answer the following questions about the electrical behavior of this arrangement.
(1) Describe qualitatively how charge is distributed among the three capacitors once the circuit reaches steady state. In your explanation, address the role played by the potential difference supplied by the source.
(2) Explain why the equivalent capacitance of the arrangement must be greater than the capacitance of any single capacitor in the group.
(3) One of the capacitors is now removed while the remaining two stay connected to the same power supply. Describe how (i) the total charge stored in the circuit and (ii) the total energy stored in the remaining capacitors compare with their original values. Provide reasoning that refers to physical principles rather than numerical calculation.