Equivalent Capacitance Between X and Y in this capacitor circuit

[Kaushik]

Homework Statement

Four capacitors are connected as shown in the figure below. Calculate the equivalent Capacitance between X and Y.

Relevant Equations

$C_{eq} = C_1 + C_2 + ... + C_n$ if they are in parallel
$\frac{1}{C_{eq}} = \frac{1}{C_1} + \frac{1}{C_2} + ... + \frac{1}{C_n}$ if they are in series

This is the problem.

If someone asks you this question, how would you solve it?

I am finding it really tough to solve when the circuit gets a bit complex. It would be nice if you share what exactly you'll do to solve complex circuits such as this (the algorithm).

 

[cnh1995]

Look for series-parallel connections.
Hint: If 'n' capacitors are electrically connected between the same two points, they are electrically in parallel.

 

[Kaushik]

Look for series-parallel connections.
Hint: If 'n' capacitors are electrically connected between the same two points, they are electrically in parallel.

What if the wires without any components also have some capacitors? Then there will be no two capacitors having the same points.
Like this one:

 

[cnh1995]

What if the wires without any components also have some capacitors?

There is no single "fixed" algorithm to analyse such circuits. In your original circuit, series-parallel reduction works. In some other circuit, you may need to use different techniques (separately/together) like star-delta reduction, symmetry arguments, some network theorems etc. It all depends on the given circuit.

Is the question in your OP answered?

 

[Kaushik]

Is the question in your OP answered?

Yes.

 

[DaveE]

Personally, the first thing I would do is redraw the schematic in a simpler topology. Name all of the nodes so you can check your work. This is a one of a class of network analysis problems that look pretty simple in one presentation and really confusing when drawn otherwise.

While it may require some intuition to make it simple on your first try, there is no reason why you can't just quickly sketch a few variants to see which makes more sense to you.