physicssssss????

Question

Find the equivalent capacitance between points a and b for the group of capacitors connected as shown in Figure P16.40 if C1 = 5.00 µF, C2 = 11.0 µF, and C3 = 2.00 µF.


http://www.webassign.net/sercp/p16-40.gif
Figure P16.40

Answer 1

From the top. You have 2 pairs of C1 & C2 in series. Call the equivalent capacitance of each pair C12.
1/C12 = 1/C1 + 1/C2
Left set is in parallel with the right set and with C3.
2*C12 + C3 so far.
And then that is in series with another pair of C2 in parallel with each other - those 2 make 2*C2.

Total:
1/Ctotal = 1/(2*C12 + C3) + 1/2*C2.