Final answer:
To store the maximum energy in a capacitor bank, connect the capacitors in parallel, as this configuration allows each capacitor to experience the full voltage and store more charge.
Step-by-step explanation:
Maximizing Energy Storage in Capacitors
If you want to store the maximum amount of energy in a capacitor bank, you should connect the capacitors in parallel across the voltage source. When capacitors are connected in parallel, each capacitor experiences the full voltage of the source, leading to a greater total charge stored in the system. The energy stored in each capacitor is given by the formula ½CV2, where C is the capacitance of the capacitor and V is the voltage across it. Consequently, connecting capacitors in parallel results in a total capacitance that is the sum of the individual capacitances, allowing the network to store more energy. In contrast, connecting capacitors in series reduces the total capacitance and results in less energy storage for a given voltage.
Furthermore, it was demonstrated through an example with three capacitors of different capacitances. By connecting them in parallel, it becomes evident that the total stored energy is increased, because each capacitor can charge to the full voltage of the source. Under these conditions, the total charge Q is equal to Q = Q1 + Q2 + Q3, with each Qi representing the charge on each capacitor, thus maximizing the energy stored.