Capacitance question What is C_eq?

[jaejoon89]

Homework Statement

C2<C2<C3<C4 for the capacitor combination shown. What is C_eq?

a) less than C1
b) more than C4
c) between C2 & C3
d) less than C2
e) any value since it depends on the voltage applied

Homework Equations

Capacitors in series: 1/Ceq = 1/C1 + 1/C2 +... 1/Cn

The Attempt at a Solution

The answer key says (a) but I don't see how that works. I plugged in some numbers, for example with 4, 3, 2, 1 for the four capacitors and 5, 4, 3, 2 and for the former it's between C2 and C3 but for the latter it's greater than C4 so it seems like (e) would be the better answer.

 

[Kurdt]

The capacitor C₁ has the least capacitance and the capacitor C₄ has the most. You are neglecting to take the reciprocal of your answer. Notice that the equation you're using is for 1/C_eq.