Capacitors in Series and Parallel

Information found in Lesson 1418-1.

Basic Schematics, Formulas and Wiring Diagrams on a Trainer

Things to Remember

• Disc type and tantalum capacitors do not have a stated polarity. This type of capacitor does not have a stated polarity.

–Tantalum Capacitors are sometimes called “gum drops”. Do you know why?

• The Electrolytic Capacitors have stated polarities.

• Placement of the capacitors closely together on the breadboard is not as important as maintaining a clean easy to follow circuit.

• Make sure the capacitors are connected correctly. This may mean using jumper wires to make clean, easy to follow connections and test points / posts.

Experiment 3, Capacitors connected in Series

Formulas to Calculate Total Series Capacitance

1 2

1 2

TC CC C

C

Example using the schematic values C

14

7

.47 (.1 ) 4.782.456

.47 .1 5.7T

nFC

Reciprocal Formula

1 2 3

1

1 1 1 1...

T

n

C

C C C C

Example using the schematic values

9

6

1 182.456

1 1 12.1270.47 0.1

Capacitance also can be calculated with the following formula if you have the

value of XC.

1

2 C

Cf X

Two Capacitors in Series Schematic

Wiring Diagram, Two Capacitors in Series

Two Capacitors in Parallel, Schematic

Formulas to Calculate Total Series Capacitance

Total Capacitance in a parallel circuit can be found by adding the parallel capacitances.

CT = C1 + C2 + C3 … + Cn

Example using the schematic values

0.47µF + 0.1µF = 0.57µF = 570nF

Note the capacitors in this experiment are labeled as (µF) micro Farads, but can be stated using whole numbers as (nF)nano Farads.

Two Capacitors in Parallel, Schematic

Wiring Diagram, Two Capacitors in Parallel

Questions?

The End

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