Final answer:
The potential difference across capacitors in a series is determined by the charge and capacitance, using V = Q/C. In parallel, each capacitor has the same potential difference, which equals the total potential difference applied across the combination.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student's question pertains to the potential difference across a system of capacitors. When capacitors are connected in series, the charge (Q) on each capacitor is the same, while the potential difference (V) is divided among them based on their capacitance (C). The potential difference across each capacitor in a series connection is given by the formula V = Q/C. If Q is the same for each, a larger capacitance will lead to a lower potential difference, and vice versa.
When capacitors are connected in parallel, each capacitor experiences the same potential difference, equal to the potential difference across the entire combination. The total charge is the sum of the charges on individual capacitors. The charge on each capacitor is given by Q = C × V, where V is the potential difference across the combination and C is the capacitance.