In an electric circuit, two capacitors C_1 = 12\text{ }\mu\text{F} and C_2 = 6\text{ }\mu\… — JAMB UTME

In an electric circuit, two capacitors $C_1 = 12\text{ }\mu\text{F}$ and $C_2 = 6\text{ }\mu\text{F}$ are connected in series. This series combination is then connected in parallel with a third capacitor $C_3$ of unknown value. When a direct-current potential difference of $100\text{ V}$ is applied across the entire network, the total electrostatic energy stored in the circuit is $100\text{ mJ}$ . What is the capacitance of $C_3$ in microfarads ( $\mu\text{F}$ )?

Answer: 16 μF

Answer

The capacitance of

C_3

16\text{ }\mu\text{F}

First, the series combination of

12\text{ }\mu\text{F}

and

6\text{ }\mu\text{F}

yields an equivalent branch capacitance of

4\text{ }\mu\text{F}

. Second, using

E = \frac{1}{2} C_{eq} V^2

with

E = 0.100\text{ J}

and

V = 100\text{ V}

gives a total circuit equivalent capacitance of

20\text{ }\mu\text{F}

. Finally, subtracting the branch capacitance from the total parallel equivalent capacitance gives

C_3 = 20\text{ }\mu\text{F} - 4\text{ }\mu\text{F} = 16\text{ }\mu\text{F}

Step-by-Step Solution

Calculate the effective capacitance of the series branch containing

C_1

and

C_2

C_{12} = 4\text{ }\mu\text{F}

Capacitors in series combine reciprocally:

\frac{1}{C_{12}} = \frac{1}{C_1} + \frac{1}{C_2} = \frac{1}{12} + \frac{1}{6} = \frac{3}{12} \implies C_{12} = 4\text{ }\mu\text{F}

Determine the total equivalent capacitance

C_{eq}

of the circuit using the given stored energy and voltage

C_{eq} = 20\text{ }\mu\text{F}

Energy stored in a capacitor network is

E = \frac{1}{2} C_{eq} V^2

. Rearranging gives

C_{eq} = \frac{2E}{V^2} = \frac{2 \times 0.100\text{ J}}{(100\text{ V})^2} = 20 \times 10^{-6}\text{ F} = 20\text{ }\mu\text{F}

Calculate the unknown capacitance

C_3

from the parallel combination formula

C_3 = 16\text{ }\mu\text{F}

Because the branch

C_{12}

and

C_3

are in parallel,

C_{eq} = C_{12} + C_3 \implies 20\text{ }\mu\text{F} = 4\text{ }\mu\text{F} + C_3 \implies C_3 = 16\text{ }\mu\text{F}

Key Concept

Series and parallel combinations of capacitors combined with electrostatic energy storage

Estimated Time:2m 0s

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