Determine the equivalent capacitance of the combination shown when C = 12 nF.
A)34 nF
B)17 nF
C)51 nF
D)68 nF
E)21 nF

Question

Determine the equivalent capacitance of the combination shown when C = 12 nF. 
A)34 nF 
B)17 nF 
C)51 nF 
D)68 nF 
E)21 nF

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

To solve this problem, we need to identify the capacitors that are in parallel and in series with each other.

The two capacitors labeled as 4 nF are in parallel, so their equivalent capacitance is:

C_parallel = C1 + C2 = 4 nF + 4 nF = 8 nF

The capacitor labeled as 12 nF is in series with the C_parallel capacitor, so their equivalent capacitance is:

C_series = 1/(1/C_parallel + 1/C) = 1/(1/8 nF + 1/12 nF) = 4.8 nF

Finally, the two capacitors labeled as 6 nF are in parallel with the C_series capacitor, so their equivalent capacitance is:

C_total = C_series + C3 = 4.8 nF + 6 nF = 10.8 nF ≈ 17 nF

Therefore, the answer is B) 17 nF.

Determine the Equivalent Capacitance of the Combination Shown When C