All Flashcards
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:
Define equivalent capacitance for capacitors in parallel.
The total capacitance of multiple capacitors in parallel, calculated by directly adding the individual capacitances:
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.