Chapter 21, Problem 62PCE

Predict/Explain Two capacitors are connected in series. (a) If a third capacitor is now connected in series with the original two, does the equivalent capacitance increase, decrease, or remain the same? (b) Choose the best explanation from among the following:

1. I.        Adding a capacitor generally tends to increase the capacitance, but putting it in series tends to decrease the capacitance; therefore, the net result is no change.
2. II.      Adding a capacitor in series will increase the total amount of charge stored, and hence increase the equivalent capacitance.
3. III.   Adding a capacitor in series decreases the equivalent capacitance since each capacitor now has less voltage across it, and hence stores less charge.