Let Q denote charge, V denote potential difference, and U denote stored energy, or these quantities, capacitors in parallel must have the same:
Correct answer: B. V only
- A. Q only
- B. V only
- C. U only
- D. Q and U only
Explanation
When capacitors are connected in parallel, they share the same potential difference (V) across them, because they are connected directly to the same voltage source. The charge (Q) on each capacitor can differ because the charge is distributed according to the capacitance of each capacitor. Similarly, the stored energy (U) in each capacitor can vary. Hence, for capacitors in parallel, the only quantity that is the same across all capacitors is the potential difference (V).
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About Electrostatics
Electrostatics describes forces between charges through Coulomb's law, electric fields and field intensity, then uses electric potential to measure energy per unit charge. Capacitors store charge and electrical energy, with capacitance depending on geometry and dielectric material, not simply on the amount of charge present.
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