Question

Consider the following figure. C2 Find the equivalent capacitance between points a and b for the group of capacitors connected as shown in the figure if C_1 = 6.00 mu F, C_2 = 10.0 mu F, and C_3 = 3.00 mu F. 420 Your response differs significantly from the correct answer. Rework your solution from the beginning and check each step carefully. mu F If the potential between points a and b is 60.0 V, what charge is stored on C_3? mu C 120

Answer 1

C₁ and C₂ are connected in series and so their equivalent capacitance will be:

1/C = 1/10u + 1/3u

=> C = 3.75 x 10^-6 F

there are two of these branches and they are parallel to each other. Alongside them, is another capacitor C₃ will is parallel to both.

So Equivalent Capacitance will now be: C' = 3.75 x 10^-6 + 3.75 x 10^-6 + 3 x 10^-6 = 10.5 x 10^-6 F

this is in series with the lower branch of two C₂ capacitors connected in parallel. Therefore, the equivalent capacitance will finally be:

1/C_eq = 1/10.5u + 1/(10u + 10u)

=> C_eq = 6.885 x 10^-6 F

this is the equivalent capacitance between a and b.