All Flashcards
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.
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: | Parallel:
Compare the behavior of a capacitor in a circuit at the initial state vs. steady state.
Initial State: Current flows freely, capacitor is uncharged | Steady State: No current flows, capacitor is fully charged and acts as an open circuit.
Compare the voltage behavior of capacitors in series vs parallel.
Series: Voltage is split across each capacitor. | Parallel: Voltage is the same across each capacitor.
Compare the current behavior of capacitors in series vs parallel.
Series: Current is the same through each capacitor. | Parallel: Current divides through each capacitor.
What is the effect of increasing resistance (R) in an RC circuit?
Increases the time constant (τ), resulting in slower charging and discharging of the capacitor.
What is the effect of increasing capacitance (C) in an RC circuit?
Increases the time constant (τ), resulting in slower charging and discharging of the capacitor.
What happens when a capacitor reaches steady state in a DC circuit?
It blocks DC current and acts like an open circuit.
What is the effect of connecting capacitors in series?
It decreases the overall equivalent capacitance.
What is the effect of connecting capacitors in parallel?
It increases the overall equivalent capacitance.