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.

 

[baba89]

I would say that the answer to this question depends on the specific values of the capacitors and the voltage applied. The formula for calculating equivalent capacitance in series shows that the value of C_eq is influenced by the individual capacitances of the capacitors in the combination. Therefore, without knowing the exact values of C1, C2, C3, and C4, it is impossible to determine the exact value of C_eq. Additionally, the voltage applied can also affect the equivalent capacitance. For example, if a higher voltage is applied, the capacitance may increase due to dielectric breakdown. Therefore, the answer cannot be determined without more information.