Table of Content

i. Declaration
ii. Acknowledgement
iii. Objective
iv. Introduction
v. Capacitors in Series
vi. Procedure
vii. Observation
viii. Capacitors in Parallel
ix. Procedure
x. 1Observation
xi. Safety Precautions
xii. Discussion
xiii. Conclusion
xiv. Bibliography

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 Declaration

I, Aryan Dhiman, a student of XII-E, hereby declare

that the project titled “Capacitors in Series and
Parallel” submitted to DLF Public School, is a record
of an original work done by me under the guidance
of Mr.Aishwarya Meet. This project has not been
submitted previously to any other institution for any
other examination or assessment. I have adhered to
ethical guidelines and have not engaged in any form
of plagiarism. All the sources of information and
data used in the project have been duly
acknowledged.
Signature:

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 Acknowledgement

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to

everyone who has supported me throughout the
course of this physics project. Firstly, I would like to
thank Mr.Aishwarya Sir, for their invaluable
guidance and encouragement, Their insights and
feedback have been crucial in shaping this project. I
also extend my heartfelt thanks to DLF Public School
for providing the necessary resources and a
conducive environment for research and
experimentation. Special thanks to my family and
friends for their continuous support, Finally, I would
like to acknowledge the authors of the books and
research papers that provided valuable information
and perspectives, which were instrumental in the
completion of this project. Thank you all

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 Objective

Working of Capacitors in
Series and Parallel Circuit

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 Introduction
Capacitors are essential components in electronic
circuits, known for their ability to store and release
electrical energy. When capacitors are connected in a
circuit, they can be arranged either in series or in
parallel. The arrangement affects the total capacitance,
which is a measure of the system's ability to store
charge. Understanding the behavior of capacitors in
these configurations is crucial for designing circuits
with specific electrical properties, such as in tuning
circuits, filters, or energy storage systems.
In a series configuration, capacitors are connected end-
to-end, leading to a reduction in total capacitance,
which is always less than the smallest individual
capacitor in the series. Conversely, in a parallel
configuration, capacitors are connected side-by-side,
which results in a total capacitance equal to the sum of
all individual capacitances. This project aims to
experimentally explore these configurations,
demonstrating how the total capacitance varies
depending on the arrangement, and highlighting the
practical applications of these principles in electronic
circuit design.

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 Capacitors in Series
Theory
When capacitors are connected in series, they are
arranged end-to-end, with the positive plate of one
capacitor connected to the negative plate of the next. This
configuration creates a scenario where the total charge
stored in the series of capacitors remains the same across
each individual capacitor. However, the voltage across
each capacitor can vary depending on its capacitance. The
total capacitance of the series arrangement is less than the
capacitance of any single capacitor in the series. This is
because the equivalent capacitance is calculated as the
reciprocal of the sum of the reciprocals of the individual
capacitances, which effectively reduces the overall
capacitance.
The mathematical expression for the total capacitance in a
series configuration is given by:

where C1,C2,C3 , etc., are the individual capacitances of the

capacitors in the series. This formula reflects how adding
more capacitors in series decreases the total capacitance,

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as each additional capacitor contributes to increasing the
overall reciprocal value. Consequently, the combined
capacitance is always smaller than the smallest individual
capacitor in the series.
In practical terms, connecting capacitors in series is often
done when there is a need to achieve a specific voltage
rating while maintaining a lower overall capacitance. This
is because the voltage across each capacitor adds up,
allowing the circuit to handle higher voltages than any
single capacitor could tolerate alone. This configuration is
commonly used in applications where capacitors need to
work with high voltage levels, such as in power supply
circuits, where safety and the proper distribution of
voltage are essential.

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Procedure
1. Gather Materials:
- Three or more capacitors with known capacitances
(e.g., 1 µF, 2 µF, and 3 µF).
- A digital multimeter with a capacitance
measurement function.
- Connecting wires and a breadboard.
- A calculator for computing theoretical values.
- A power source (optional, if you plan to observe
voltage distribution).
2. Set Up the Circuit:
- Place the capacitors on the breadboard, ensuring
that they are connected in series. Connect the
positive terminal of the first capacitor to the
positive terminal of the next capacitor, and so on.
The end terminals of the series connection should
be free to connect to the multimeter.
3. Measure Individual Capacitances:
- Before connecting the capacitors in series, measure
the capacitance of each capacitor individually using
the multimeter. Record these values, as they will be
used for theoretical calculations.
4. Measure Total Capacitance in Series:
- After connecting the capacitors in series, connect
the multimeter leads to the ends of the series

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 connection. Set the multimeter to measure
capacitance, and record the total capacitance
displayed by the multimeter. This value is the
equivalent capacitance for the series combination.
5. Calculate Theoretical Capacitance:
- Use the formula for capacitors in series to calculate
the -theoretical total capacitance
- Compute the total capacitance theoretically and
compare it with the measured value.
6. Verify Voltage Distribution (Optional):
- If you have a power source, connect it across the
series capacitors and measure the voltage across
each capacitor using the multimeter. Verify that the
sum of the voltages across individual capacitors
equals the total applied voltage, confirming the
voltage distribution in series.
7. Repeat with Different Capacitor Values:
- For further validation, repeat the experiment with
capacitors of different values. Measure and
calculate the total capacitance each time, and
observe how the results change with different
combinations.
8. Analyze and Conclude:
- Compare the measured total capacitance with the
theoretical value. Discuss any discrepancies, which
could arise from factors like parasitic capacitance,
measurement errors, or imperfections in the
capacitors.

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Observation
1. Individual Capacitances:
- Capacitor 1: C1=1 µF
- Capacitor 2: C2=2 µF
- Capacitor 3: C3=5 µF
2. Theoretical Total Capacitance Calculation:
Using the formula: Ctotal=1+2+5
Theoretical Total Capacitance: Ctotal=8
3. Measured Total Capacitance:
Total Capacitance: Ctotal=Measured Value (e.g.,
0.68 µF)
4. Voltage Measurements:
Applied Voltage: Vapplied= 10 V
Voltage Across Capacitor 1: V1=4.0 V
Voltage Across Capacitor 2: V2=3.0 V
Voltage Across Capacitor 3: V3=3.0 V
Sum of Measured Voltages:
Vtotal=V1+V2+V3=10V

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 Capacitors in Parallel
Theory
When capacitors are connected in parallel, each capacitor
is directly connected to the same pair of electrical nodes,
so they all experience the same voltage across their
terminals. This configuration allows the total capacitance
to be calculated as the sum of the individual capacitances.
Mathematically, the total capacitance Ctotal for capacitors
in parallel is given by:

The key characteristic of capacitors in parallel is that they

each endure the same voltage. This uniform voltage across
each capacitor results in a total capacitance that reflects
the additive nature of the capacitors' individual
capacitances. By connecting multiple capacitors in parallel,
you can effectively increase the total capacitance and thus
the energy storage capability of the circuit. This principle
is often used in electronic circuits to achieve desired
capacitance values that are not easily attainable with a
single capacitor.
In addition to increasing total capacitance, capacitors in
parallel can also enhance reliability and stability in
circuits. By spreading the capacitance across multiple

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capacitors, the overall circuit can be less sensitive to the
failure of any single capacitor. If one capacitor fails, the
remaining capacitors still contribute to the total
capacitance, ensuring that the circuit's performance is less
likely to be disrupted. This redundancy is particularly
useful in power supply circuits and filtering applications,
where consistent and reliable capacitance is crucial for
maintaining stable voltage levels and filtering out noise.

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Procedure
1. Gather Materials:
- Capacitors of known values (e.g., 10 µF, 22 µF, 47
µF)
- Breadboard or circuit board
- Connecting wires
- DC power supply (adjustable)
- Multimeter (for measuring capacitance and
voltage)
- Switch (optional, for control)
2. Set Up the Circuit:
- Connect the capacitors in parallel by connecting all
the positive terminals together and all the negative
terminals together. This means all capacitors'
positive leads should be connected to the same
node, and all negative leads should be connected to
another common node.
3. Connect the Power Supply:
- Connect the DC power supply across the parallel
combination of capacitors. Ensure the voltage is
within the safe operating range of the capacitors.
- If you’re using a switch, you can place it in series
with the power supply to control when the circuit
is energized.

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4. Measure Capacitance:
- Before powering the circuit, use the multimeter to
measure and record the capacitance of each
individual capacitor.
- Measure the capacitance of the entire parallel
combination. The measured value should be close
to the sum of the individual capacitances.
5. Power the Circuit:
- Turn on the power supply and set it to the desired
voltage. Ensure that the voltage is within the
specified range for the capacitors.
- Measure the voltage across the parallel
combination of capacitors to confirm that it
matches the power supply voltage.
6. Record Observations:
- Note the total capacitance of the parallel
combination.
- Verify that the total capacitance is the sum of the
individual capacitances.
- Check that the voltage across each capacitor is the
same as the power supply voltage.
7. Analyze the Results:
- Compare the measured total capacitance with the
calculated value (sum of individual capacitances).
- Discuss any discrepancies and possible sources of
error.

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Observation
1. Individual Capacitance Measurements:
- Measure and record the capacitance of each
capacitor:
- Capacitor 1 (C1): 10 µF
- Capacitor 2 (C2): 22 µF
- Capacitor 3 (C3): 47 µF
2. Calculate Total Capacitance (Theoretical):
- The total capacitance Ctotal for capacitors in
parallel is the sum of the individual capacitances:

3. Measure Total Capacitance:

- After connecting the capacitors in parallel, use a
multimeter to measure the total capacitance of the
combination. Record this value. It should be close
to the theoretical value of 79 µF.
4. Voltage Across Capacitors:
- Measure the voltage across each capacitor while
the circuit is powered. Record the voltage V. The
voltage should be the same for each capacitor and
match the power supply voltage.

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5. Verify Voltage Consistency:
- Ensure that the voltage across all capacitors is
equal to the supply voltage. For example, if the
power supply is set to 10V, each capacitor should
have a voltage reading of approximately 10V.
6. Compare Results:
- Compare the measured total capacitance with the
calculated value. Any deviation should be noted
and discussed. The measured total capacitance
should be close to the theoretical value (79 µF).

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Safety Precautions
 Discharge Capacitors Properly: Before handling
capacitors, ensure they are fully discharged to
prevent electric shock. Use a resistor or a discharge
tool to safely release any stored charge. Avoid
direct contact with the terminals.
 Check Voltage Ratings: Ensure that the capacitors
are rated for the voltage you plan to use. Using
capacitors beyond their rated voltage can lead to
damage, overheating, or even explosion.
 Use Proper Insulation: Handle capacitors with
insulated tools and wear appropriate personal
protective equipment (PPE) such as safety glasses
and gloves. This minimizes the risk of electric shock
and accidental damage.
 Verify Connections: Double-check all circuit
connections before powering on the circuit.
Incorrect connections can cause short circuits,
component damage, or electrical hazards.
 Avoid Short Circuits: Be cautious to prevent short
circuits when connecting capacitors. Ensure that
wires and components are securely connected and
that there is no risk of accidental contact between
positive and negative terminals.

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 Discussion
In the experiment with capacitors connected in parallel, the
total capacitance is significantly higher than the capacitance
of any single capacitor, as the total capacitance is the sum of
the individual capacitors' values. This result aligns with the
theoretical expectation that capacitors in parallel add up to a
larger overall capacitance. The uniform voltage across each
capacitor in parallel demonstrates that each capacitor shares
the same potential difference, which is advantageous in
circuits requiring stable and predictable capacitance values.
In contrast, capacitors connected in series yield a total
capacitance that is less than any individual capacitor’s
capacitance. The total capacitance in a series circuit is
calculated using the reciprocal formula, which often results in
a lower overall capacitance compared to the sum of individual
capacitors. Additionally, capacitors in series experience the
same charge but different voltages, which can lead to higher
stress on individual capacitors if their voltage ratings are not
well matched.
This experiment highlights the practical differences between
series and parallel configurations. Parallel connections are
beneficial for applications needing higher capacitance and
consistent voltage across components, such as in power
supply filters. Series connections, while reducing total
capacitance, are useful for applications where specific
capacitance values and voltage distribution are crucial.

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 Conclusion
1. Parallel Capacitors Increase Total Capacitance:
The experiment confirmed that capacitors connected
in parallel sum their individual capacitances, resulting
in a higher total capacitance. This makes parallel
configurations ideal for applications requiring
increased energy storage.

2. Uniform Voltage Across Capacitors: In parallel

connections, each capacitor experiences the same
voltage, ensuring consistent performance across all
components and making it suitable for circuits where
stable voltage is crucial.

3. Series Capacitors Reduce Total Capacitance:

Capacitors connected in series result in a total
capacitance that is lower than that of any individual
capacitor, as calculated using the reciprocal formula.
This configuration is useful for achieving specific
capacitance values and managing voltage distribution.

4. Voltage Distribution in Series: In series circuits,

capacitors share the same charge but different
voltages, which can be useful for applications where
precise voltage handling is required.

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 Bibliography

Books -
- NCERT
- H.C.Verma
- Pradeep’s
Websites –
-khanacademy.org
-electronicshub.org
-hyperphysics.phy.edu

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