G5C09 - What is the capacitance of three 100-microfarad capacitors connected in series?

Question

What is the capacitance of three 100-microfarad capacitors connected in series?

Answer Options

  • A) 0.33 microfarads
  • B) 3.0 microfarads
  • C) 33.3 microfarads
  • D) 300 microfarads

Correct Answer: C


Explanation

For capacitors connected in series, the reciprocal of the total capacitance (1/C_T) is the sum of the reciprocals of the individual capacitances: 1/C_T = 1/C_1 + 1/C_2 + 1/C_3.

Since all three capacitors are equal (C_1 = C_2 = C_3 = 100 \text{ }\mu\text{F}), the formula simplifies to 1/C_T = 3/100 \text{ }\mu\text{F}. Therefore, C_T = 100 \text{ }\mu\text{F} / 3 \approx 33.33 \text{ }\mu\text{F}. The total capacitance is 33.3 \text{ microfarads}.


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