Physics Multiple Choice Questions on “Combination of Capacitors”.
1. What is the equivalent capacitance when the 2 capacitors are connected in series?
a) Cs = C1 + C2
b) Cs = (frac {1}{C_1} + frac {1}{C_2})
c) Cs = C1 + (frac {1}{C_2})
d) Cs = (frac {1}{C_1}) + C2
Answer: b
Clarification: When 2 capacitors are connected in series, the equivalent capacitance Cs is given by
Cs = (frac {1}{C_1} + frac {1}{C_2})
When the capacitors are connected in series, the charge passing through each capacitor is the same.
2. When is the effective capacitance of a capacitor increased?
a) When the capacitors are connected in series
b) When the capacitors are randomly connected
c) When the capacitors are connected in parallel
d) When the capacitors are connected in series and parallel simultaneously
Answer: c
Clarification: The effective capacitance of a capacitor is increased when the capacitors are connected in parallel. When the capacitors are connected in parallel, the equivalent capacitance is given by:
Cp = C1 + C2 + C3 +…….
When the capacitors are connected in parallel, the potential difference across each capacitor is the same.
3. True power of a capacitor is 1.
a) True
b) False
Answer: b
Clarification: True power is the actual power consumed by the equipment in order to do useful work in an AC circuit. The true power is measured in watts and signifies the power drawn by the circuit’s resistance to do useful work. But, a pure capacitor does not consume or dissipate any true power. So the true power of a capacitor is zero.