Calculator
Example Data Table
| Case | Mode | C1 | C2 | C3 | Voltage | Charge on C1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Direct | Parallel | 10 μF | Not used | Not used | 12 V | 120 μC |
| Series pair | Series | 10 μF | 10 μF | Not used | 12 V | 60 μC |
| Mixed | C1 and C2 parallel, then series C3 | 10 μF | 10 μF | 20 μF | 12 V | 60 μC |
Formula Used
Basic charge formula: Q1 = C1 × V1
Parallel circuit: V1 = supply voltage
Series circuit: Ceq = 1 / (1/C1 + 1/C2 + 1/C3)
Series charge: Q1 = Ceq × supply voltage
Energy in C1: E = 0.5 × C1 × V1²
Capacitance must be converted to farads before calculation.
How to Use This Calculator
- Select the circuit mode.
- Enter C1 capacitance and choose its unit.
- Enter supply voltage.
- Add C2 and C3 when series or mixed mode needs them.
- Use known C1 voltage mode when V1 is already measured.
- Enter tolerance to estimate the possible charge range.
- Press the calculate button.
- Download the result as CSV or PDF when needed.
About Charge on C1
What This Calculator Does
This calculator finds the charge stored on capacitor C1. It works with direct, parallel, series, and simple mixed circuits. It also reports voltage across C1, equivalent capacitance, stored energy, and a tolerance range. These extra results make the tool useful for study, design checks, and lab records.
Why C1 Charge Matters
Capacitor charge shows how much electric quantity is stored on the plates. The value depends on capacitance and voltage. A larger capacitor stores more charge at the same voltage. A higher voltage also increases charge. The basic relation is simple, but circuit layout changes the voltage across C1.
Direct and Parallel Circuits
In a direct or parallel connection, C1 has the same voltage as the source. So the calculation uses Q1 = C1 × V. This is the fastest case. It is common in power supply filters, timing circuits, and bypass networks. Parallel capacitors may share voltage, but each capacitor stores charge based on its own capacitance.
Series Circuits
In a series circuit, each capacitor carries the same charge. The voltage divides across the capacitors. Smaller capacitors usually receive a larger voltage share. The calculator first finds equivalent capacitance. Then it multiplies that value by the source voltage. That charge is also the charge on C1.
Mixed Circuit Option
The mixed option treats C1 and C2 as a parallel group. That group is then placed in series with C3. This model is useful for many practice problems. It gives a clear step between a very simple circuit and a full network solver. For complex networks, reduce the circuit in stages.
Using Tolerance
Real capacitors rarely match their printed value exactly. A ten microfarad capacitor may be slightly higher or lower. The tolerance field estimates the lowest and highest possible charge. This helps when checking practical designs. It is especially useful for timing, filtering, and stored energy problems.
Reading the Result
The result appears in coulombs, microcoulombs, and nanocoulombs. This makes the answer easier to read. Small electronics often use microcoulombs or nanocoulombs. Larger storage systems may use coulombs. The energy result uses joules. Always check voltage ratings before testing real capacitors.
FAQs
What is charge on C1?
Charge on C1 is the electric charge stored by capacitor C1. It depends on the capacitance of C1 and the voltage across it.
What formula is used for C1 charge?
The main formula is Q1 = C1 × V1. C1 must be in farads. V1 is the voltage across capacitor C1.
Does C1 have full source voltage in parallel?
Yes. In a parallel circuit, C1 has the same voltage as the source. Its charge is C1 multiplied by source voltage.
Does C1 have full source voltage in series?
No. In series circuits, voltage divides across capacitors. The same charge flows on each series capacitor, including C1.
Why does the calculator ask for C2 and C3?
C2 and C3 are needed for series and mixed circuit cases. They help find equivalent capacitance and the voltage across C1.
What unit should I use for capacitance?
You can use pF, nF, μF, mF, or F. The calculator converts all selected units into farads before solving.
What does tolerance range mean?
The tolerance range estimates possible minimum and maximum charge. It uses the capacitor tolerance percentage entered in the form.
Can this solve every capacitor network?
No. It solves common direct, parallel, series, and simple mixed cases. Larger networks should be reduced step by step first.