CollegeBoard SAT Physics Study Guide PT1 Q57

CollegeBoard's Book

57) For this question, we need to find the equivalent capacitance for the above circuit. There are two crucial formulas for figuring out the equivalent capacitance. This problem will require using both and knowing when to use each one.

Where C is capacitance

These equations should be adapted based on how many capacitors are in series or in parallel. Since there are 2 capacitors(C[2] and C[3]) in series, let's start with these.

Where C is capacitance

Now, we can redraw the circuit, replacing C[2] and C[3] with C[2,3].

Now we can use the parallel circuit total capacitance formula to find C[1,2,3] which will be our equivalent resistance.

Answer: D