Question

Two capacitors each having capacitance $2\mu \text{F}$ and breakdown voltage $1.5\text{V}$ are joined in series. The breakdown voltage of the combination will be

• A. $1.5\text{V}$
• B. $4.5\text{V}$
• C. $7.5\text{V}$
• D. $3.0\text{V}$

Answer 1

The correct option is D $3.0\text{V}$

Here both the capacitors are in the series combination, hence the sum of breakdown voltage across each capacitors must be equal to the breakdown voltage across terminals of combination of capacitors.
$V_1+V_2=V_{\text{net}}$


Since both the capacitors are similar, their breakdown voltages will also be equal.
$\Rightarrow V_{\text{net}}=1.5+1.5=3\text{V}$

$\underset{–}{\text{Key concept}}$- Breakdown voltage of a capacitor is the maximum permissible potential difference across its plates & the breakdown voltage of the capacitors in series connection will get added.