A combination of two capacitors, C1 = 2 μF and C2 = 7 μF, is connected to a potential difference of 10 V. If the charge on C1 is 20 μC, determine whether the capacitors are connected in series or in parallel.

Capacitors C1 and C2 are connected in parallel configuration.

Explanation: Charge stored in a capacitor is calculated by the relation between capacitance of the capacitor and voltage applied across its terminals as:

Capacitance of capacitor-1 (C1) = 2

And the charge stored in it is 20

By using above relation, voltage applied across the terminals of C1 is:

Voltage = =

Actual voltage source connected across the combination of capacitors is 10 V and it is the same voltage required across the C1 to store 20  charge in it.

Voltage across both the capacitors is same if connected in parallel configuration and charge stored in the capacitors is same if connected in series configuration.

Hence, capacitors C1 and C2 are connected in parallel configuration.