Re: [TCML] Cap Discharge Questions

[jimlux <jimlux@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I was thinking though..

Say you have a 1uF and 2uF in series.

You put 3V on the set.. the 1uF will go to 2V and the 2uF will be 1V (so 
the charges are equally distributed..)

Now, short the chain.  It will exactly discharge to zero on both 
capacitors.. because they have equal amounts of charge.


SO... If (and only if) you've charged a particular string of capacitors 
and then you discharge in series, the individual capacitors will return 
to their original state of charge.

However, if any of the capacitors change value or if there is any other 
current path (i.e. leakage), then the individual capacitors might have a 
different voltage on them at the end.

I note that many capacitors change capacitance with applied voltage (the 
electrostatic forces change the dimensions, for instance), which might 
throw a wrench in the works, because you're putting in or taking out 
energy through a different path than the leads of the cap (i.e. 
springiness, heat, etc.)
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