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

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the equivalent capacitance in a complex circuit containing capacitors C1, C2, C3, C4, and C5, with values of 10 μF for C2 and 4 μF for the others. The user attempted to apply Kirchhoff's Loop Rule but arrived at an equivalent capacitance of zero, indicating a potential error in their approach. The main issue identified is the inconsistency in sign assumptions for voltage drops across the capacitors, suggesting that additional equations based on charge conservation are necessary for accurate calculations.

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  • Understanding of Kirchhoff's Loop Rule
  • Basic knowledge of capacitor values and configurations
  • Familiarity with charge conservation principles
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OOO|---C5----|
OOO|OOOOOOOOO|
A----C1---C2---C3----B
OOOOOOOO|OOOOOOOOOO|
OOOOOOOO|----C4----|

The "C"s stand for capacitor.
The capacitance of C2 is 10 μF and others are 4 μF.

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The book contains neither the answer nor solution.

I tried to apply Kirchhoff's Loop Rule:
q_4 / 4 + q_2 /10 + q_3 / 4 = 0
q_1 / 4 + q_2 /10 + q_5 / 4 = 0
q_1 + q_4 + q_3 + q_5 = 0


Then I got the equivalent capacitance=0. What is the problem with my argument?
 
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My guess is you have a sign problem. It's not obvious to me that you have assumed one sign for the voltage drop across each capacitor and used it consistently. In fact, it looks very much like you have not. There must be some additional equations based on charge conservation.
 

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