(c) The assumption that the capacitors were hooked up in parallel, rather than in series, was incorrect. A parallel connection always produces a greater capacitance, while here a smaller capacitance was assumed. This could happen only if the capacitors are connected in series.
Capacitors can be connected to each other in two ways. They can be connected in series and in parallel. We will see capacitors in parallel first. In this circuit capacitors are connected in parallel. Because, left hand sides of the capacitors are connected to the potential a, and right hand sides of the capacitors are connected to the potential b.
These two basic combinations, series and parallel, can also be used as part of more complex connections. Figure 8.3.1 8.3. 1 illustrates a series combination of three capacitors, arranged in a row within the circuit. As for any capacitor, the capacitance of the combination is related to both charge and voltage:
The equivalent capacitor for a parallel connection has an effectively larger plate area and, thus, a larger capacitance, as illustrated in Figure 19.6.2 19.6. 2 (b). Total capacitance in parallel Cp = C1 +C2 +C3 + … C p = C 1 + C 2 + C 3 + … More complicated connections of capacitors can sometimes be combinations of series and parallel.
One important point to remember about parallel connected capacitor circuits, the total capacitance ( CT ) of any two or more capacitors connected together in parallel will always be GREATER than the value of the largest capacitor in the group as we are adding together values.
Total capacitance in parallel Cp = C1 + C2 + C3 + … If a circuit contains a combination of capacitors in series and parallel, identify series and parallel parts, compute their capacitances, and then find the total. If you wish to store a large amount of energy in a capacitor bank, would you connect capacitors in series or parallel? Explain.