A capaitor of capacitance `C_(1) = 1.0 muF` withstands teh maximum voltage `V_(1) = 6.0 kV` while a capacitor of capacitance `C_(s) = 2.0 muF`, the maximum voltage `V_(s) = 4.0 kV`. What voltage will the system of these two capacitors withsatand if they are connected in sereis ?

Explanation

In series pd across the capacitor in inversely proportional to capacitance .
When a p.d of 6 kV is applied across the `10 mu F` capacitor, the corrseponding p.d across the `2 mu F` capacitor is `(6 xx 10)/(2) = 30 KV`. But the ` 2mu F` capacitor can withstand only 4kV. Therefore such arrangement does not work i.e., we cannot apply maximum possible p.d across the `10 mu F` piece.
However if we apply 4kV across the `2 muF` piece, Corresponding pd across other one is
`4kV xx (2)/(10) = 0.8 kV` , which is less than the limit of 6kV.
Therefore Maximum p.d across the system is `V_(1) + V_(2) = 0.8 + 4.0 = 4.8kV` .