Series and parallel capacitor rules
What Series and parallel capacitor rules means in Physics A-Level, as defined for OCR.
Definition of Series and parallel capacitor rules
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Series and parallel capacitor rules in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: OCR
The series rule 1/C_total = 1/C₁ + 1/C₂ gives a smaller total capacitance, while the parallel rule C_total = C₁ + C₂ gives a larger total.
Topics that use Series and parallel capacitor rules
- Capacitors (OCR A-Level)
Related terms
- Capacitance
- Charging
- Discharging
- Experimental measurement of charge and p.d.
- Reciprocal relationship for capacitance
- Series combination of capacitors
- Unit prefixes and conversions
- Verification of predicted total capacitance
Using Series and parallel capacitor rules in the exam
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