Math Problem Statement

Three capacitors are connected as shown, where C = 0.045 F, Ceq = 1/( ( 1/( 2 C + 3 C ) ) + ( 1/( 5 C ) ) ), What is the capacitance, in farads?

Solution

Let's solve the given problem step by step.

Step 1: Given Information

  • The capacitance of each capacitor C=0.045FC = 0.045 \, \text{F}.
  • The total equivalent capacitance CeqC_{\text{eq}} is given by the formula:

Ceq=1(12C+3C)+(15C)C_{\text{eq}} = \frac{1}{\left(\frac{1}{2C + 3C}\right) + \left(\frac{1}{5C}\right)}

Step 2: Simplify the Expressions Inside the Formula

  1. First Term: 2C+3C=5C2C + 3C = 5C, so the first term becomes 15C\frac{1}{5C}.
  2. Second Term: The second term is already in the form 15C\frac{1}{5C}.

Thus, the equation becomes:

Ceq=1(15C)+(15C)C_{\text{eq}} = \frac{1}{\left( \frac{1}{5C} \right) + \left( \frac{1}{5C} \right)}

Step 3: Combine the Terms

Since both terms are 15C\frac{1}{5C}, we can combine them:

Ceq=125CC_{\text{eq}} = \frac{1}{\frac{2}{5C}}

Step 4: Simplify Further

Now simplify the right-hand side:

Ceq=5C2C_{\text{eq}} = \frac{5C}{2}

Step 5: Substitute the Value of CC

Now substitute C=0.045FC = 0.045 \, \text{F} into the equation:

Ceq=5×0.0452=0.2252=0.1125FC_{\text{eq}} = \frac{5 \times 0.045}{2} = \frac{0.225}{2} = 0.1125 \, \text{F}

Final Answer:

The equivalent capacitance CeqC_{\text{eq}} is 0.1125F0.1125 \, \text{F}.


Would you like a detailed breakdown of any part of this solution? Or is there anything else you'd like to clarify?

Additional Related Questions:

  1. How would the equivalent capacitance change if the capacitors were arranged in a different configuration (e.g., series instead of parallel)?
  2. What is the effect of increasing the capacitance of each individual capacitor on the overall equivalent capacitance?
  3. How can you calculate the total energy stored in this capacitor network if it is charged to a potential difference of 10 V?
  4. What happens to the equivalent capacitance if the number of capacitors increases in a similar configuration?
  5. How would the result change if the capacitors had different capacitances?

Tip: When solving problems involving capacitors in parallel and series, always simplify step-by-step and carefully track the relationships between the individual and equivalent capacitances!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Capacitance
Series and Parallel Capacitors
Algebra

Formulas

Ceq = 1 / ((1 / (2C + 3C)) + (1 / (5C)))
Ceq = 5C / 2

Theorems

Capacitors in Parallel
Capacitors in Series

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12