Can I combine capacitors in the same way for an AC circuit as I can for a DC circuit (In series or in parallel)? Does the same apply for simplifying resistors?
1 Answer
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Basically, yes. Capacitors can be used in series or in parallel, although for a DC circuit they would prevent current flow in the long term; when the potential difference produced by the capacitor matched the p.d. of the power supply - battery or rectifier.
In an AC circuit they provide impedance limiting current without dissipating energy as a resistor would.
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$\begingroup$ So instead of dealing with each capacitor's individual impedance 1/(wC), I can combine them and treat them as one capacitor? I understand that the impedance of a capacitor depends on the frequency of the alternating current. If I have two capacitors in parallel is the impedance of both 1/(w(C1+C2))? $\endgroup$ Mar 26, 2016 at 3:26
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$\begingroup$ Yes, capacitors in parallel simply add: X=1/wC , where C = C1 + C2. $\endgroup$ Mar 26, 2016 at 3:42