Two capacitors of 6.0 microfarads and 3.0 microfarads are connected in series across a DC power supply. What is the equivalent capacitance?

Answer and explanation

Correct answer: D. 2.0 microfarads

  1. Step 1: For series capacitors, reciprocal capacitance applies: 1/C_eq = 1/C1 + 1/C2.
  2. Step 2: Substitute values: 1/C_eq = 1/6.0 + 1/3.0 = 1/6.0 + 2/6.0 = 3/6.0 = 1/2.0.
  3. Step 3: Invert: C_eq = 2.0 microfarads.
Answer
2.0 microfarads.
Why not the others: '9.0 microfarads' calculates parallel capacitance C1 + C2; '4.5 microfarads' averages the two capacitances; '18.0 microfarads' multiplies the values together without dividing by the sum.

Practise more Mechanics, Waves and Electromagnetism.

Free questions with an explanation for every one, and full timed General Education Diploma (GED Oman) mock tests.