Series combination

Definition

A series combination of capacitors occurs when multiple capacitors are connected end-to-end, with the same charge passing through each capacitor. The total capacitance in a series combination is less than any individual capacitor's capacitance in the circuit.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The reciprocal of the total capacitance $C_{total}$ in a series combination is the sum of the reciprocals of all individual capacitances: $$\frac{1}{C_{total}} = \frac{1}{C_1} + \frac{1}{C_2} + \ldots + \frac{1}{C_n}$$
2. In a series combination, the same charge $Q$ is stored on each capacitor.
3. The voltage across the entire series combination is the sum of the voltages across each capacitor: $V_{total} = V_1 + V_2 + \ldots + V_n$
4. Series combinations are used to increase voltage ratings while keeping overall capacitance low.
5. If one capacitor fails in an open-circuit mode, it breaks the entire circuit.

Review Questions

• What happens to the total capacitance when capacitors are connected in series?
• How is charge distributed across capacitors in a series combination?
• Why might you choose to use a series combination of capacitors in a circuit?

Related terms

Parallel Combination: A configuration where multiple capacitors are connected such that they share both their terminal connections. The total capacitance increases as more capacitors are added.

Capacitance: The ability of a system to store electric charge, typically measured in Farads (F).

Dielectric: An insulating material placed between plates of a capacitor that increases its capacitance by reducing the electric field strength.