In parallel, how do capacitors combine and what is the voltage across each capacitor?

In parallel, how do capacitors combine and what is the voltage across each capacitor?

• A. Capacitances add; voltage across each capacitor is the same
• B. Capacitances subtract; voltage varies
• C. Capacitances add in series; voltage is the same
• D. Capacitances stay the same; voltage is unpredictable

Answer: (A)

In a parallel connection, capacitors share the same two terminals, so the voltage across each capacitor is the same as the applied voltage. The total capacitance adds up: C_total = C1 + C2 + ... + Cn. Each capacitor stores charge Q_i = C_i V, and the total charge is Q_total = (C1 + C2 + ... + Cn) V. So the statement that capacitances add and the voltage across each capacitor is the same correctly describes parallel behavior. The other ideas describe series behavior (where the effective capacitance adds inversely and voltages divide) or nonsensical outcomes (capacitances staying the same with unpredictable voltage).

In a parallel connection, capacitors share the same two terminals, so the voltage across each capacitor is the same as the applied voltage. The total capacitance adds up: C_total = C1 + C2 + ... + Cn. Each capacitor stores charge Q_i = C_i V, and the total charge is Q_total = (C1 + C2 + ... + Cn) V. So the statement that capacitances add and the voltage across each capacitor is the same correctly describes parallel behavior. The other ideas describe series behavior (where the effective capacitance adds inversely and voltages divide) or nonsensical outcomes (capacitances staying the same with unpredictable voltage).