Equivalent Capacitance question

kankerfist

I have learned how to find equivalent capacitence when capacitors are in series and when they are in parallel, but I came across a problem where I'm confused about the capacitors:

Normally I first find equivalent capacitence of parallel capacitors by adding them together. Then use the formula for finding the equivalent capacitence for capacitors in series. I am not sure exacty how to define the above capacitors though, which ones are parallel (able to be added together) and which ones are in series (inverses are able to be added together)?

The answer that my book provedes is: C eq = 6.71 picoferads

Any help would be appreciated!

Hootenanny

In this question I would find the equivalent capacitance of C1 and C2 (as they are in series) and combine them into a single capacitor (C4); and then treat it is as if C4 and C3 were two single capacitors in parallel. Does that make sense?

kankerfist

That does make sense! Thanks

Hootenanny

My pleasure.