Math Problem Statement

How will the equivalent capacitance change if the position of capacitors C_1 and C_2 are switched in the given circuit?

Solution

The given circuit shows capacitors C1C_1 and C2C_2 connected in parallel, and their equivalent capacitance is then in series with capacitor C3C_3.

Step-by-Step Analysis:

  1. Capacitors in Parallel ( C1C_1 and C2C_2 ): When two capacitors are in parallel, their equivalent capacitance CparallelC_{parallel} is simply the sum: Cparallel=C1+C2C_{parallel} = C_1 + C_2

  2. Combination with Series Capacitance (with C3C_3): The equivalent capacitance of the entire circuit ( CeqC_{eq} ) when CparallelC_{parallel} is in series with C3C_3 is: 1Ceq=1Cparallel+1C3\frac{1}{C_{eq}} = \frac{1}{C_{parallel}} + \frac{1}{C_3} Which simplifies to: Ceq=(C1+C2)C3C1+C2+C3C_{eq} = \frac{(C_1 + C_2) \cdot C_3}{C_1 + C_2 + C_3}

  3. Switching Capacitors C1C_1 and C2C_2: Since the sum C1+C2C_1 + C_2 remains unchanged regardless of switching their positions, the equivalent capacitance CeqC_{eq} also remains unchanged.

Answer

The correct option is:

  • It remains the same.

Would you like more detailed explanations or have any other questions?

Five Relative Questions:

  1. What happens to the equivalent capacitance if C1C_1 and C2C_2 are connected in series instead of parallel?
  2. How does the equivalent capacitance change if all three capacitors were in series?
  3. How do we calculate the charge stored on each capacitor in this configuration?
  4. How does introducing another capacitor in parallel with C3C_3 affect the equivalent capacitance?
  5. What are some practical applications of capacitors arranged in parallel and series?

Tip:

When capacitors are connected in parallel, the equivalent capacitance always increases. In series, it decreases compared to the smallest individual capacitance.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Capacitance
Parallel and Series Circuits

Formulas

C_parallel = C_1 + C_2
1 / C_eq = 1 / C_parallel + 1 / C_3
C_eq = (C_1 + C_2) * C_3 / (C_1 + C_2 + C_3)

Theorems

Series and Parallel Capacitors Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12