Equivalent capacitance of capacitors

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the equivalent capacitance of a circuit involving multiple capacitors, including configurations of series and parallel connections. Participants are exploring the relationships between the capacitors and attempting to identify errors in their calculations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants describe their calculations for equivalent capacitance between various points in the circuit, including the use of nodal analysis and series/parallel combinations. Questions arise regarding the correctness of these calculations and the identification of mistakes.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on alternative methods, such as delta-star transformation, to simplify calculations. There is recognition of potential errors in the original circuit setup, which may affect the results. Multiple interpretations of the problem are being explored, particularly regarding the configuration of capacitors.

Contextual Notes

Participants note discrepancies in the original circuit diagram, including an extra wire that may lead to confusion in calculating the equivalent capacitance. This context highlights the importance of accurately interpreting the problem setup.

Jahnavi
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Homework Statement


capacitors.jpg


Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution



First I calculated equivalent capacitance between R and M . The two 2μF capacitors are in series . Their combination is in parallel with the 1μF capacitor . Their equivalent capacitance is 2μF .

Now I found equivalent capacitance between R and T .The previously calculated 2μF between R and M is in series with 8μF capacitor .The equivalent capacitance between R and T is 8/5 μF.

Now I found equivalent capacitance between P and Q . Using nodal analysis I found it to be 44/3 μF .

The net capacitance between P and Q i.e 44/3 μF and net capacitance between R and T i.e 8/5 μF are in parallel . So, net capacitance between P and T is 244/15 μF .

Across A and B this 244/15 μF is in series with the unknown capacitor C . Their net capacitance has to be 3μF . Calculations give me value of C =732/199 μF . This is incorrect .

What is the mistake ?
 

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Jahnavi said:
Now I found equivalent capacitance between P and Q . Using nodal analysis I found it to be 44/3 μF .
You can use delta-star transformation for that. It's quicker.
download.png
 

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Jahnavi said:

Homework Statement


View attachment 221625

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution



First I calculated equivalent capacitance between R and M . The two 2μF capacitors are in series . Their combination is in parallel with the 1μF capacitor . Their equivalent capacitance is 2μF .

Now I found equivalent capacitance between R and T .The previously calculated 2μF between R and M is in series with 8μF capacitor .The equivalent capacitance between R and T is 8/5 μF.

Now I found equivalent capacitance between P and Q . Using nodal analysis I found it to be 44/3 μF .

The net capacitance between P and Q i.e 44/3 μF and net capacitance between R and T i.e 8/5 μF are in parallel . So, net capacitance between P and T is 244/15 μF .

Across A and B this 244/15 μF is in series with the unknown capacitor C . Their net capacitance has to be 3μF . Calculations give me value of C =732/199 μF . This is incorrect .

What is the mistake ?
Your solution is correct. Try to give C = 3.68 μF.
The capacitance between P and Q is easy to calculate with parallel and series capacitors. The 2μF and 6μF capacitors are parallel, connected in series with the 4 μF capacitor, and the whole in parallel with the 12 μF capacitor.
 
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ehild said:
The capacitance between P and Q is easy to calculate with parallel and series capacitors. The 2μF and 6μF capacitors are parallel, connected in series with the 4 μF capacitor, and the whole in parallel with the 12 μF capacitor

Wow ! This is so nice .

I couldn't make out that it could be simplified in this way .

For me , the difficult part in this question was finding capacitance between P and Q . You made it look so easy :smile:
 
ehild said:
Your solution is correct. Try to give C = 3.68 μF.

This is a previous year exam question . But the circuit in the question is actually wrong . This is why I was not getting the correct answer 48 μF

The original question is given below .
capacitors.png
As you can see there is an extra wire in the picture in the OP :oldgrumpy: .
 

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