Physics

Problem

Capacitors of

2.0\,\text{mF}

500\,\mu\text{F}

, and

7.0\,\mu\text{F}

are connected in parallel. Which of the following is the best estimate of the equivalent capacitance of the combination? a)

7.0\,\mu\text{F}

2.5\,\text{mF}

0.50\,\text{mF}

3.0\,\text{mF}

Intuitive explanation

When capacitors are wired in parallel, they all share the same voltage across them, so their charges add up. The key insight is that parallel capacitances combine like resistors in series—you simply add them. Convert all values to the same unit first (microfarads works well here), then sum them to find the total capacitance the circuit "sees."

Intuitive explanation

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