Finding possible combinations of capacitors given circuit capacitance

Click For Summary
Finding possible combinations of capacitors for a given circuit capacitance can be approached by drawing circuit diagrams, which aids in visualizing configurations. However, alternative methods exist, such as referencing lists of combinations without needing to diagram them. The consensus is that for small cases, a closed formula is impractical, and no general mathematical formula applies to numerous passive components like capacitors. The discussion emphasizes the utility of both visual and list-based methods for solving capacitance problems. Overall, understanding the configurations is key to determining the correct combinations.
member 731016
Homework Statement
Please see below
Relevant Equations
Please see below
For this problem,
1675969562591.png

The solution is,
1675969587554.png

Is the only way of finding the possible combinations is by drawing out circuit diagrams?

Many thanks!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Callumnc1 said:
Homework Statement:: Please see below
Relevant Equations:: Please see below

For this problem,
View attachment 322007
The solution is,
View attachment 322008
Is the only way of finding the possible combinations is by drawing out circuit diagrams?

Many thanks!

Drawing a circuit diagram surely helps when you are trying to figure out the capacitance for each particular configuration. However, if you intensely dislike drawing circuit diagrams, you can always look at the list that you posted above.
 
  • Like
Likes member 731016
Callumnc1 said:
Homework Statement:: Please see below
Relevant Equations:: Please see below

For this problem,
View attachment 322007
The solution is,
View attachment 322008
Is the only way of finding the possible combinations is by drawing out circuit diagrams?

Many thanks!
I think so. For such a small case a closed formula doesn't make sense to me and for very many passive circuit elements like resistors, capacitors or coils I am quite sure to not have a closed mathematical formula at all - plus, there is no usage for such a general case.
 
  • Like
Likes member 731016
The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?

Similar threads

Replies
6
Views
555
Replies
4
Views
3K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Replies
15
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
604
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
8K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
986
Replies
20
Views
2K