How Do You Calculate the Equivalent Capacitance in a Complex Circuit?

AI Thread Summary
To calculate the equivalent capacitance in the given circuit, start by combining capacitors C1 (23 uF) and C3 (12 uF) in series, resulting in C13 = 8 uF. Next, C13 is in parallel with C2 (4 uF) and C4 (9 uF). The correct combination for the next step is to add C13 and C2 in parallel, which gives 12 uF, and then add C4 to this total. The final equivalent capacitance is calculated to be 5.14 uF, confirming the solution.
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Homework Statement



In the diagram V = 12.0V, C1 = 23 uF, C2 = 4.00 uF, C3 = 12.0 uF and C4 = 9.00uF. Calculate the equivalent capacitance of the system.

http://img403.imageshack.us/img403/6346/eqam8.jpg

Homework Equations



Just combinding capacitors in parallel and in series.

The Attempt at a Solution



This question is giving me a headache when it should be simple. I must be overlooking something stupid, and hopefully someone will please lead me in the right direction.

I start by taking capacitors C1 and C3, which are in series, and combine them :
1/C13 = 1/24 + 1/12
1/C13 = 3/24
C13 = 8

Doesn't that leave C13, C2, and C4 in parallel? (this is where I'm getting sidetracked i think. the middle one is throwing me for a bit of a loop). In parallel, that would just be 8+4+9 = 21 uF, which is not the answer. The answer should be 5.14 uF.

I'd appreciate any pointers.
 
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Doesn't that leave C13, C2, and C4 in parallel?

No, only C13 and C2 are in parallel for the next step.
 

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