Four identical 1 mF capacitors are connected together electrically.What is the least possible capacitance of the combination?
A)4 mF
B)1 mF
C)1/4 mF
D)1/8 mF

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When four identical capacitors are connected in parallel, the equivalent capacitance is the sum of individual capacitances. 
Therefore, the equivalent capacitance is: 
Ceq = C1 + C2 + C3 + C4 
Ceq = 1 mF + 1 mF + 1 mF + 1 mF 
Ceq = 4 mF 
However, since we are looking for the least possible capacitance, we need to connect the capacitors in series instead, which gives: 
1/Ceq = 1/C1 + 1/C2 + 1/C3 + 1/C4 
1/Ceq = 1/1 mF + 1/1 mF + 1/1 mF + 1/1 mF 
1/Ceq = 4/1 mF 
Ceq = 1/4 mF 
Therefore, the answer is C: 1/4 mF.

Four Identical 1 MF Capacitors Are Connected Together Electrically