G5C12 - What is the capacitance of a 20-microfarad capacitor connected in series with a 50-microfarad capacitor?

Question

What is the capacitance of a 20-microfarad capacitor connected in series with a 50-microfarad capacitor?

Answer Options

  • A) 0.07 microfarads
  • B) 14.3 microfarads
  • C) 70 microfarads
  • D) 1,000 microfarads

Correct Answer: B


Explanation

For capacitors connected in series, the total capacitance (C_T) is calculated using the product-over-sum formula, similar to two resistors in parallel: C_T = (C_1 \times C_2) / (C_1 + C_2).

Using the given values, C_1 = 20 \text{ }\mu\text{F} and C_2 = 50 \text{ }\mu\text{F}: C_T = \frac{20 \text{ }\mu\text{F} \times 50 \text{ }\mu\text{F}}{20 \text{ }\mu\text{F} + 50 \text{ }\mu\text{F}} = \frac{1000}{70} \approx 14.28 \text{ }\mu\text{F.} The total capacitance of the series circuit is 14.3 \text{ microfarads}.


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