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

  • #1
holymoly
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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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  • #2
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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