Series Capacitor Voltage Formula:
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Definition: This calculator determines the voltage across a capacitor in series based on the stored charge and capacitance.
Purpose: It helps electrical engineers and electronics enthusiasts calculate capacitor voltage in circuit designs.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: The voltage across a capacitor is directly proportional to the stored charge and inversely proportional to its capacitance.
Details: Proper voltage calculation ensures safe operation of capacitors within their rated limits and helps design efficient circuits.
Tips: Enter the charge in coulombs and capacitance in farads. All values must be > 0.
Q1: What happens if the voltage exceeds the capacitor's rating?
A: The capacitor may fail, potentially causing it to explode or leak electrolyte.
Q2: How do I measure charge (Q) in a real circuit?
A: Charge can be calculated by multiplying current (I) by time (t) when charging, or measured with specialized equipment.
Q3: Does this formula work for parallel capacitors?
A: Yes, the basic V=Q/C relationship holds for any single capacitor, though parallel configurations affect total capacitance.
Q4: What's a typical capacitance value range?
A: Common capacitors range from picofarads (pF) to thousands of microfarads (μF), with supercapacitors reaching farads.
Q5: How does dielectric material affect the calculation?
A: The dielectric affects capacitance (C) but not the fundamental V=Q/C relationship.