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  1. AP Physics C E M
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Define capacitance.

The ability of a component or circuit to collect and store energy in the form of an electrical charge.

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Define capacitance.

The ability of a component or circuit to collect and store energy in the form of an electrical charge.

Define steady state in a DC circuit with capacitors.

The condition where the capacitor is fully charged and no current flows through it, acting like an open switch.

Define time constant (τ) for an RC circuit.

τ = RC, the time it takes for a capacitor to charge to about 63% of its max voltage or discharge to about 37% of its initial voltage.

Define equivalent capacitance for capacitors in series.

The total capacitance of multiple capacitors in series, calculated using the reciprocal formula: 1Ctotal=1C1+1C2+1C3+...\frac{1}{C_{total}} = \frac{1}{C_1} + \frac{1}{C_2} + \frac{1}{C_3} + ...Ctotal​1​=C1​1​+C2​1​+C3​1​+...

Define equivalent capacitance for capacitors in parallel.

The total capacitance of multiple capacitors in parallel, calculated by directly adding the individual capacitances: Ctotal=C1+C2+C3+...C_{total} = C_1 + C_2 + C_3 + ...Ctotal​=C1​+C2​+C3​+...

Compare capacitors in series vs. parallel regarding total charge.

Series: Charge is the same on each capacitor. Parallel: Total charge is the sum of charges on each capacitor.

Compare capacitors in series vs. parallel regarding total capacitance.

Series: Reciprocal addition is used. Parallel: Capacitances are added directly.

Compare the behavior of a capacitor in a DC circuit initially versus at steady state.

Initially: Current flows freely. Steady State: No current flows; acts as an open circuit.

Compare charging vs. discharging an RC circuit regarding current flow.

Charging: Current decreases exponentially. Discharging: Current (magnitude) decreases exponentially, and flows in the opposite direction.

Compare the voltage distribution in series vs parallel capacitor circuits.

Series: Voltage is split across capacitors. Parallel: Voltage is the same across each capacitor.

What is the effect of increasing the resistance in an RC circuit?

Increasing resistance increases the time constant, slowing down the charging/discharging process.

What is the effect of increasing the capacitance in an RC circuit?

Increasing capacitance increases the time constant, slowing down the charging/discharging process and allowing it to store more charge.

What is the effect of reaching steady state in a DC circuit with a capacitor?

The capacitor blocks DC current, acting like an open circuit.

What happens if a capacitor is uncharged in a circuit?

Current flows freely through the circuit.

What is the effect of connecting capacitors in parallel?

The total capacitance increases, allowing the circuit to store more charge at a given voltage.