A series combination of two capacitors C1 = 10 μF, C2 = 8 μF is connected across a 450 V supply. The charges on each of the capacitors are, respectively,
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → 2 mC and 2 mC
In a series combination of capacitors, each capacitor carries the same charge, equal to the charge on the equivalent capacitor.
\( \displaystyle \frac{1}{C_{\mathrm{eq}}} = \frac{1}{10} + \frac{1}{8} = \frac{9}{40} \)
\( \displaystyle C_{\mathrm{eq}} = \frac{40}{9}\,\mu\mathrm{F} \)
\( \displaystyle Q = C_{\mathrm{eq}} V = \frac{40}{9}\times10^{-6} \times 450 \)
\( \displaystyle Q = 2\times10^{-3}\,\mathrm{C} = 2\,\mathrm{mC} \)
So each capacitor carries 2 mC.