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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​+...

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.

How do you find the total capacitance of capacitors in series?

Use the reciprocal addition 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​+...

How do you find the total capacitance of capacitors in parallel?

Add the capacitances directly: Ctotal=C1+C2+C3+...C_{total} = C_1 + C_2 + C_3 + ...Ctotal​=C1​+C2​+C3​+...

Describe the process of charging a capacitor in an RC circuit.

Initially, current flows freely. As the capacitor charges, the voltage across it increases until it equals the source voltage, at which point current stops flowing.

Describe the process of discharging a capacitor in an RC circuit.

The capacitor releases its stored charge through the resistor, with the voltage and current decreasing exponentially over time.

What happens to the voltage across a capacitor in a DC circuit over time?

The voltage across the capacitor increases over time until it reaches the voltage of the source, after which it remains constant.