#AP Physics C: E&M - Capacitors: The Night Before ⚡

Hey! Let's get you prepped for the exam! Remember, you've got this. We're going to make sure you're feeling confident and ready to tackle those capacitor questions. Let’s dive in!

Remember, circuits with capacitors are very common on the FRQs. This is a high-value topic, so let's make sure you're solid on it!

#Capacitors in Series & Parallel 🔋

Just like resistors, capacitors can be combined in series and parallel, but their rules are flipped! Let's break it down:

#Parallel Capacitors

• In parallel, capacitors act like one big capacitor storing a large charge. Think of it as multiple lanes on a highway, all contributing to the total traffic flow.
• Total Charge: $Q_{total} = Q_1 + Q_2 + Q_3 + ...$
• Total Capacitance: $C_{total} = C_1 + C_2 + C_3 + ...$ (simply add them up!)

#Series Capacitors

• In series, the charge is the same on each capacitor, but the voltage is split. Think of it as a single-lane road with multiple toll booths.
• Total Charge: $Q_{total} = Q_1 = Q_2 = Q_3 = ...$
• Total Capacitance: $\frac{1}{C_{total}} = \frac{1}{C_1} + \frac{1}{C_2} + \frac{1}{C_3} + ...$ (reciprocal addition, just like resistors in parallel!)

#S...