PURPOSE: To illustrate voltage relations in series and parallel capacitor circuits.

DESCRIPTION: Two capacitors can be connected in series or in parallel and charged with the battery, or they can be charged individually and then connected. The projection meter is used to read the voltage across either or both capacitors.

The photographs show measurement of the voltage across one of the capacitors while they are being charged in parallel (left) and in series (right).

SUGGESTIONS: Be careful: this uses large capacitors charged to 50 volts!

REFERENCES: (PIRA 5C30.42)

EQUIPMENT: Two 50V, 10,000 microfarad capacitors, 45 volt battery, 100VDC projection meter, wires.

SETUP TIME: 5 min.