In a series configuration, the charge on each capacitor is the same, but the total voltage across the capacitors is the sum of individual voltages. This arrangement effectively increases the distance between the charges (since the distance across each dielectric adds up), leading to a reduced overall capacitance. The reduced total capacitance can be understood by considering that adding more capacitors in series is like increasing the thickness of the dielectric in a single larger capacitor, which lowers its ability to store charge at a given voltage. Hence, the combined capacitance of capacitors in series is less than the smallest individual capacitance in the series.

Temperature can affect the capacitance of individual capacitors, typically causing it to change due to the temperature dependence of the dielectric material used in the capacitor. In series and parallel configurations, this means that the total capacitance can also vary with temperature. If all capacitors in the configuration have similar temperature coefficients (the rate at which their capacitance changes with temperature), the overall effect on the combined capacitance will be consistent with the effect on individual capacitors. However, if different types of capacitors are used, their capacitances may react differently to temperature changes, affecting the total capacitance of the configuration in a less predictable manner.

In a parallel combination of capacitors, the voltage across each capacitor is the same and equals the supply voltage. This is because, in parallel circuits, all components are connected across the same two points and therefore experience the same potential difference. The voltage across each capacitor in a parallel combination is not dependent on the capacitance values of the individual capacitors. Therefore, to calculate the voltage across each capacitor in a parallel configuration, one simply needs to know the voltage of the power supply connected to the circuit.

When capacitors are connected in series or parallel, the total energy stored in the configuration can change. In a parallel connection, since the voltage across each capacitor remains the same, the total energy stored (given by 1/2 C V²) increases because the total capacitance increases. In contrast, for capacitors in series, the total capacitance decreases, leading to a decrease in the total stored energy if the voltage across the whole combination remains constant. However, the individual energy stored in each capacitor may vary depending on the specific values of capacitance and the voltage across each capacitor.

The physical size of a capacitor primarily affects its capacitance by determining the area of the plates and the distance between them. Larger plate areas or smaller distances between plates generally increase the capacitance. However, when capacitors are connected in series or parallel, their physical size does not directly influence the combined capacitance calculation. In series, the combined capacitance is determined by the reciprocal sum of individual capacitances, and in parallel, it is the sum of individual capacitances. The size may indirectly affect the circuit if larger capacitors have higher capacitance values, but the fundamental principles of combining capacitances in series or parallel remain unchanged.