Question

Six identical capacitors with capacitance $c$are connected as shown in FIGURE $P26.60$.

a. What is the equivalent capacitance of these six capacitors?

b. What is the potential difference between points $a$and $b$?

Short answer

a. $3C/2$

b. Zero.

Step-by-step solution

Part (a) step 1: Given information 

We have given the Six identical capacitors with capacitance $c$are connected as shown in FIGURE $P26.60$.

We need to find the equivalent capacitance of these six capacitors.

Part (a) step 2: Explanation

We have is three sets in parallel of two capacitors each coupled in series. The capacitance of the sets in series will be $C/2$each.

And so the capacitance of three such sets in parallel will be

$C_{eq}=\frac{3}{2}C$.

Part (b) step 1: Given information

We need to find the potential difference between points $a$and $b$.

Part (b) step 2: Explanation

As the capacitors are of the same capacitance $C$, there will be no potential difference between points $a$and $b$. We can see this in the symmetry of the position of these points, between the two same capacitance capacitors.