APPLIED PHYSICS LAB

LAB REPORT
To determine the charge of capacitor in series and parallel.

Appratus:
Capacitor, multimeter, jumper wires and breadboard.

Capacitor:
A capacitor is a passive two-terminal electronic component that
stores electrical energy in an electric field. The effect of a capacitor is
known as capacitance. While some capacitance exists between any
two electrical conductors in proximity in a circuit, a capacitor is a
component designed to add capacitance to a circuit. The capacitor
was originally known as a condenser. The original name is still widely
used in many languages, but not commonly in English. An ideal
capacitor is defined as the ratio of the positive or negative charge Q
on each conductor to the voltage V between them. 𝐶 =
𝑄
𝑉

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Procedure:
 First, we determine the charges stored in each capacitor by
using multimeter to make list of values for finding series and
parallel result by formula.
 After this, we will determine the charges of capacitors stored in
series and parallel by using breadboard to compare the result
of multimeter and breadboard.

Formula used:
For capacitors in series:

1 1 1 1
= + +⋯+
𝐶𝑒𝑞 𝐶1 𝐶2 𝐶𝑛

For capacitors in parallel:

Ceq = C1 + C2 + ⋯ + Cn

Observations and Calculations:

Individual capacitance values:
Capacitor symbol Value to be used in
calculation (µF)
C1
C2
C3

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Series Circuit:
S. Total capacitance value (µ𝑭)
NO.
Calculated using Measured with
formula breadboard
1.

Parallel Circuit:
S. Total capacitance value (µF)
NO. Calculated using Measured with
formula breadboard
1.

Precautions:
 Do not charge by higher current or higher voltage than
specified.
 Do not reverse placement of (+) and (-).
 Do not solder directly to the capacitor.
 Keep capacitors out of children’s reach.
 Do not heat, disassemble, nor dispose of in fire.
 In case of leakage or a strange smell, keep away from fire to
prevent ignition of any leaked electrolyte.

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