Tuesday, 20 May 2025

Series Capacitors and the Charge Boson: A Field-Based Perspective

Series Capacitors and the Charge Boson: A Field-Based Perspective

Series Capacitors and the Charge Boson: A Field-Based Perspective

Author: Jim Redgewell

Introduction

Traditional circuit theory explains capacitors in series through charge conservation and voltage division, yet it often lacks a physical mechanism for how charges distribute across disconnected plates. This article explores a field-based model introducing the concept of a charge boson to mediate electric fields, providing a more intuitive understanding of series capacitors.

Classical Understanding of Series Capacitors

In a series configuration, capacitors share the same charge \( Q \), while the total voltage \( V \) divides among them. The equivalent capacitance \( C_{\text{eq}} \) is given by:

\[ \frac{1}{C_{\text{eq}}} = \frac{1}{C_1} + \frac{1}{C_2} + \cdots + \frac{1}{C_n} \]

This results in a total capacitance less than any individual capacitor in the series. The classical model, however, does not elaborate on the underlying mechanism that ensures equal charge distribution across all capacitors.

C₁ C₂ Charge boson flow → Poynting vector: energy flow

The Charge Boson Field Model

Introducing the charge boson concept, we consider electric charge as a field excitation mediated by bosonic particles. In this model:

  • Electric fields are quantized, with charge bosons facilitating field interactions.
  • Capacitor plates act as nodes in a continuous field, with charge bosons maintaining field coherence.
  • The uniform charge distribution arises from field continuity rather than discrete electron movement.

This perspective aligns with quantum field theory, where forces are mediated by exchange particles, such as photons for electromagnetic interactions.

Implications for Series Capacitors

Applying the charge boson model to series capacitors:

  • The uniform charge \( Q \) across all capacitors results from a coherent field state maintained by charge bosons.
  • Voltage division corresponds to variations in field energy density, influenced by each capacitor's properties.
  • The reduced equivalent capacitance reflects the system's overall field configuration and energy storage capacity.

This model provides a cohesive explanation for the behavior of series capacitors, grounded in field interactions rather than solely charge movement.

Further Reading

For a deeper exploration of the charge boson concept and its application to electrical circuits, refer to the following articles:

References

  1. Capacitors in Series - Electronics Tutorials
  2. Capacitors in Series and Parallel | Physics - Lumen Learning
  3. Series and Parallel Capacitors - All About Circuits
  4. Capacitor - Wikipedia

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