Series Capacitors Maximum Potential – Rankers Physics

Combination of Capacitors: Practice Problem & Solution

Assertion (A): When two capacitors of capacitance \(300 \text{ pF}\) and \(600 \text{ pF}\) which can work upto maximum potential of \(4 \text{ kV}\) and \(3 \text{ kV}\) respectively, are connected in series, their combination can work upto maximum potential of \(7 \text{ kV}\). Reason (R): In series combination, maximum working potential will be sum of maximum working potential of individual capacitors.  
Both (A) & (R) are true and the (R) is the correct explanation of the (A)
Both (A) & (R) are true but the (R) is not the correct explanation of the (A)
(A) is true but (R) is false
Both (A) and (R) are false

Short Solution (Best for NEET):

To solve this problem, we apply the core principles of Combination of Capacitors. Understanding the underlying formula is key to arriving at the correct answer below:

For capacitors in series, the maximum charge \(Q_{\text{max}}\) the combination can hold is the minimum of individual \(C V_{\text{max}}\). Here, \(Q_{1, \text{max}}\ = 300 \text{ pF} \cdot 4 \text{ kV} = 1200 \text{ pC}\) and \(Q_{2, \text{max}}\ = 600 \text{ pF} \cdot 3 \text{ kV} = 1800 \text{ pC}\). So, \(Q_{\text{max}}\ = 1200 \text{ pC}\). Equivalent capacitance \(C_{\text{eq}}\ = (300 \cdot 600) / (300 + 600) = 200 \text{ pF}\). The maximum potential for the combination is \(V_{\text{max}}\ = Q_{\text{max}} / C_{\text{eq}}\ = 1200 \text{ pC} / 200 \text{ pF} = 6 \text{ kV}\). Thus, both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are false.

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