Ceq of 3 capacitors in a triangle

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the equivalent capacitance of three capacitors arranged in a triangular configuration. Participants are examining the relationships between the capacitors and how they are connected, specifically focusing on the series and parallel arrangements.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are questioning the configuration of the capacitors, particularly why C1 and C3 are considered in series with each other while being parallel to C2. There is also a suggestion that C2 and C3 could be in series instead, prompting further exploration of the assumptions made in the problem.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants seeking clarification on the terminal points of the circuit and the implications of the problem statement regarding the terminals. Some guidance has been offered regarding the interpretation of the problem, but multiple interpretations are still being explored.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of a diagram attached to the original post, which may provide additional context, but specific details about the configuration of the capacitors are not fully articulated in the discussion. The problem statement's implications regarding terminal points are also under scrutiny.

pyroknife
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I'm a little confused about this problem. I attached the pic. The solution manual states " capacitors C1 and C3 are in
series with each other and in parallel with capacitor C2."

I don't understand why it has to be C1 and C3 in series which is parallel with C2.

Can't it also be C2&C3 in series and parallel with C1
 

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Which two of the vertices, a, b, c, are assumed to be the terminals?

Please state the whole problem as it was given to you.
 
Oh they said "find an expression for the equivalent capacitance between points a and c in terms of the 3 capacitance values." But they didn't say they were the terminals tho, unless that statement implies it.
 
pyroknife said:
Oh they said "find an expression for the equivalent capacitance between points a and c in terms of the 3 capacitance values." But they didn't say they were the terminals tho, unless that statement implies it.

Yes, the statement implies it.
 

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