Final answer:
To calculate the total capacitance of capacitors in series, we use the reciprocal sum of the individual capacitances. Convert the individual capacitances to their reciprocal values, sum these up, and then take the reciprocal of that sum to find the total series capacitance, remembering to use the correct units of microfarads (u00b5F).
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine the total capacitance of capacitors in series, we use the reciprocal sum formula:
\(\frac{1}{C_{total}} = \frac{1}{C_1} + \frac{1}{C_2} + \frac{1}{C_3} + ...\)
If the capacitors have capacitances of 8.40 µF, 8.40 µF, and 4.20 µF as stated, then we apply the formula as follows:
\(\frac{1}{C_{total}} = \frac{1}{8.40} + \frac{1}{8.40} + \frac{1}{4.20}\)
Firstly, we calculate the reciprocal values of the capacitance of each capacitor, then we sum these up, and finally, we take the reciprocal of that sum to get the total capacitance of the series combination. Assume that all values are in microfarads (\u00b5F) and you will convert your final answer back into microfarads.