If you ever wondered how parallel plate capacitors in series combination works, here is the real explanation (with the electron flow explained)
First let us start with a single capacitor in circuit.
When a capacitor is connected to a voltage source, the emf of the source drives electrons from its negative to one of the plates of the capacitor (say A) and the positive electrode of the source pulls equal number of electrons from the other plate (B)
Now if A is charged -Q, B will be +Q. (Wait to hear why it's both Q and not Q and q)
This difference in charges produces a potential difference between the plates. which is opposite in direction to the potential of the source. (because A is negative, and the terminal connected to A is also negative)
Thus the potential differences cancel out and since there's no more force, no more flow of charge.
The capacitor is said to be charged Q. (Not 2 Q because only Q amount of charge is in there that can be used)
(Now we can say why they're both Q. Because nature isn't so partial about positive or negative charge. If it gives electrons to one side, it will also love to take electron from the other side equally well)
(But what if we introduce a resistance R in one side - that is left for you)
Now when two capacitors are connected in series:
From left to right A,B,C,D are the parallel plates. A&B form the first capacitor, C&D the next. Let A be connected to negative terminal itself. (We will see that the plate B, the plate C and the wire that connects these two plates form an isolated system of net charge = 0)
Now electrons flow to A (charging it to -Q)
Due to induction there'll be +Q on B, -Q on C and +Q on D
Why +Q itself on B (I don't know)
What if the area of plate B is only half the area of A (I don't know)
But this is what happens.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
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