Finding possible combinations of capacitors given circuit capacitance

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding possible combinations of capacitors in a circuit to achieve a specific capacitance. The subject area pertains to circuit analysis and capacitor configurations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore whether drawing circuit diagrams is necessary for finding combinations of capacitors. Some express that while diagrams are helpful, there may be alternative methods, such as referring to lists of configurations. Others question the feasibility of a closed formula for small cases or numerous passive components.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants sharing insights about the utility of circuit diagrams and the challenges of deriving a general formula for capacitor combinations. There is no explicit consensus, but various perspectives are being considered.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention a dislike for drawing diagrams and the complexity of dealing with multiple passive circuit elements, which may influence their approach to the problem.

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.
 
Reply
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: 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.
 
Reply
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: member 731016

Similar threads

Spherical capacitor RC system -- determine steady state charges
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
788
Changing capacitance effect on ripple in full rectification circuit
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Why Capacitors in Parallels vs. Series: Coaxial Capacitor Case
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Ranking charge stored on three capacitors by a battery
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Capacitor Circuit Analysis: How to Find Voltage Across Resistors
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
Two-layer dielectric, four-capacitor model vs three-capacitor model
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
873
Equivalent capacitance of circuit
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
8K
Equivalent capacitance in a circuit
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
3K
Combined tensions of an RLC series circuit with AC current
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
Equivalent capacitance of capacitors
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
5K