# Charge distribution in series combination of capacitors

its a normal series combination of capacitors,only the inner plates are placed differently,one in the beginning and one in the middle,will it not alter the charge distribution ? that is if we will start the charge distribution on the plates from left to right,thanks.

• It's not really "series combination of capacitors" as plates 1 and 3 (counting from the left) are connected to each other but not to the other two. You know that Q1 = -Q3 and Q2 = -Q4 ... but in the case of 2 and 3, their charge will be divided between their two surfaces. Question for you: does the distribution have to be the same on both sides of the plate? If so, why? If not, why not? – Floris May 13 '17 at 8:36
• the book's answer says its a series combination of three capacitors. – sachinrath123 May 13 '17 at 9:08
• Can you draw an equivalent circuit that shows three capacitors? I think I see two in parallel in series with a third. – Floris May 13 '17 at 9:10
• m unable to draw the circuit as charge distributions will be different,what i can do is i can displace the first plate and place it after the third plate from the left in the picture so that it l behave as a series combination of three capacitors. – sachinrath123 May 13 '17 at 9:15

Calling the plate on the left $1$, the potentials of plates $1$ and $3$ are the same and they are electrically isolated.
This tells you something important about the magnitude of the electric field between the plates $1$ and $2$, and between $2$ and $3$.
• Start with a charge of $-Q$ on the left side of plate 4 and a total charge of $+Q$ on plate 2. – Farcher May 17 '17 at 6:26