Contextualization

Capacitors are fundamental components in many electronic devices we use daily, such as televisions, computers, cameras, and more. They are used to store and release electrical energy in a controlled manner. When capacitors are combined in a circuit, they can be arranged in two main ways: in series or in parallel. In this project, we will specifically explore capacitors in series.

Capacitors in series work a little differently from individual ones. When they are in series, the charge that each capacitor stores is the same, but the voltage that each one can withstand may be different. Consequently, the total capacitance of the circuit is affected. Understanding how capacitors in series work allows us to design more efficient circuits and is essential for those working in the electronics industry.

Physics is the basis for understanding electricity and electrical circuits. However, to design and build circuits that use capacitors in series, we also need skills in mathematics to calculate the total capacitance, and in engineering to build the physical circuit. We will also use research and writing skills when preparing the project report.

Understanding how capacitors in series work has practical applications in the real world. For example, in electronics, capacitors in series are often used in power supplies to increase the supported voltage. Furthermore, in the same field, they are used in oscillator circuits, which are important for generating radio waves.

To delve deeper into the concepts of capacitors and electrical circuits, students can rely on the following resources:

1. Book "Physics for Scientists and Engineers" by Paul A. Tipler.
2. "Fundamentals of Physics: Electromagnetism" by David Halliday, Robert Resnick, and Jearl Walker.
3. Khan Academy page on capacitors: Khan Academy - Capacitors.
4. Youtube video 'Understand the Capacitor' from the channel Manual do Mundo: Manual do Mundo - Understand the Capacitor.

Practical Activity

Activity Title: The construction of a super capacitor in series

Project Objective

The objective of this project is to build a circuit with capacitors in series, measure the total capacitance, compare it with the theoretical value, and observe the behavior of the circuit when charged and discharged.

Also, the project will include a detailed discussion of the concept of capacitors, the main difference between capacitors in series and in parallel, the practical applications of this configuration, and the relevance of mathematics to calculate the total capacitance.

This project should be carried out in groups of 3 to 5 students and has an estimated duration of 15 hours.

Detailed Project Description

The project will be divided into 3 main parts: theoretical research, circuit construction, and final report.

1. Theoretical Research: Students should research the concept of capacitors, the difference between connecting them in series and in parallel, and how to calculate the total capacitance in the case of capacitors in series. This research should also include practical applications of capacitors in series.

2. Circuit Construction: Each group must build a circuit with capacitors in series and calculate the total capacitance. Students should also observe the behavior of the circuit when it is charged and discharged.

3. Final Report: Based on the theoretical research and circuit construction, students must write a final report explaining everything they have learned about capacitors in series.

Required Materials

• Capacitors
• Circuit board
• Connection cables
• Multimeter
• Power source (Battery)
• Resistor

Detailed Step-by-Step

1. Theoretical Research: Review the concepts related to capacitors, capacitors in series, how to calculate the total capacitance, and practical applications of capacitors in series. Use the resources indicated in the contextualization and other additional resources you may find.

2. Circuit Construction:

   1. Take three capacitors and connect them in series on the circuit board.
   2. Connect the power source to the circuit to charge it.
   3. Connect the multimeter to the circuit to measure the total capacitance.
   4. Record the value of the total capacitance and compare it with the theoretical value obtained from the calculation.
   5. Observe the behavior of the circuit as it charges and discharges.

3. Writing the Report: Each group must write a final report on the project. The report should have four main sections:

   1. Introduction: Provide context on the topic, its relevance and real-world application beyond the objective of this project.
   2. Development: In this part, the group should describe theory about capacitors in series, explain the activity in detail, indicate the methodology used, and present and discuss the results obtained.
   3. Conclusion: Summarize the main learning points, explain the lessons learned, and draw conclusions about the project.
   4. Bibliography: List the sources used in the research, such as books, web pages, videos, etc.

Project Delivery

The completion of the project involves the delivery of the final report along with a practical demonstration of the series capacitor circuit. The report should reflect the group's understanding of the concepts of capacitance, differences between capacitors in series and in parallel, calculating the total capacitance for capacitors in series, and observations of the circuit's behavior.