Question

When two or more different capacitors are connected in parallel across a potential source (battery), which of the following statements must be true? (There could be more than one correct choice.)
A) The potential difference across each capacitor is the same.

B) The capacitor with the largest capacitance has the most charge.

C) Each capacitor carries the same amount of charge.

D) The capacitor with the largest capacitance has the largest potential difference across it.

Answer 1

Answer:

Option A and B

Explanation:

In the parallel connection, the capacitors that are connected in parallel have the same potential difference across each capacitor as the battery. Therefore, statement A is correct.

Charge (Q), capacitance (C) and voltage across capacitor (V) is related with each other as follows:

Q = C ×V

As capacitance is not same for all the capacitors, therefore each capacitor carries different charge. Therefore, statement C is incorrect.

As potential difference across each capacitor is same, therefore, capacitor with the largest capacitance carry the most charge. Therefore, statement B is correct.

Therefore, statements A and B are correct.

Answer 2

Answer:

Option A and B is correct

Explanation:

When two or more capacitors are connected in parallel, the equivalent capacitance of the circuit is the sum of capacitance of all the capacitors.

C = C₁ + C₂+ C₃+....

The potential difference across each capacitor is equal. Thus, option A is correct.

The total charge is the sum of the charge on stored in each capacitor.

Q = Q₁ + Q₂+ Q₃+....

Q = CV

Since the voltage is same across each capacitor, the capacitor which has largest capacitance has the most charge. Thus, option B is correct.