# What is an example of a combination of capacitors practice problem?

Aug 13, 2017

See below.

#### Explanation:

Here is a fairly typical example I grabbed from an old discussion problems packet from a general physics class (collegiate-level, General Physics II)

Two capacitors, one with ${C}_{1} = 6.0 \mu F$ and the other with ${C}_{2} = 3.0 \mu F$, are connected to a potential difference of $18 V$

a) Find the equivalent capacitances when they are connected in series and in parallel

answer: $2.0 \mu F$ in series and $9.0 \mu F$ in parallel

b) Find the charge and potential difference for each capacitor when they are connected in series

answer: ${Q}_{1} = 36 \mu C$, ${Q}_{2} = 36 \mu C$, ${V}_{1} = 6 V$, and ${V}_{2} = 12 V$

c) Find the charge and potential difference for each capacitor when they are connected in parallel

answer: ${Q}_{1} = 108 \mu C$, ${Q}_{2} = 54 \mu C$, ${V}_{1} = 18 V$, and ${V}_{2} = 18 V$*

This is just one example—capacitor problems can easily become more complicated.