Question

What equation gives the equivalent capacitance for n capacitors in series with individual capacitances C1, C2, ... Cn?

Answer 1

The total capacitance for n capacitors in series is found by adding the reciprocals of each capacitor's capacitance and then taking the reciprocal of the sum. The formula is 1/Cs = (1/C1) + (1/C2) + ... + (1/Cn), resulting in an equivalent capacitance that is less than any individual capacitance.

Step-by-step explanation:

The equation that gives the equivalent capacitance for n capacitors in series with individual capacitances C1, C2, ... Cn is as follows:

For capacitors connected in a series combination:

½ = ½ + ½ + ... + ½

To find the total capacitance in series (Cs), you simply add up the reciprocals of the individual capacitances and take the reciprocal of the sum:

1/Cs = (1/C1) + (1/C2) + ... + (1/Cn)

This expression will always yield a total capacitance (Cs) that is less than any of the individual capacitances (C1, C2, ..., Cn).