Which equation expresses the total capacitance for capacitors connected in parallel?

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Multiple Choice

Which equation expresses the total capacitance for capacitors connected in parallel?

Explanation:
When capacitors are connected in parallel, they all share the same voltage, and their ability to store charge adds up. Each capacitor stores charge Q_i = C_i times the common voltage V, so the total stored charge is Q_total = (C1 + C2 + C3 + ...) V. Since the total capacitance is defined as C_total = Q_total / V, you get C_total = C1 + C2 + C3 + ... This is why the total capacitance in parallel is simply the sum of the individual capacitances. The other forms pertain to capacitors in series, where the reciprocals add: 1/C_total = 1/C1 + 1/C2 + ..., and for two capacitors in series, C_total = (C1*C2)/(C1 + C2).

When capacitors are connected in parallel, they all share the same voltage, and their ability to store charge adds up. Each capacitor stores charge Q_i = C_i times the common voltage V, so the total stored charge is Q_total = (C1 + C2 + C3 + ...) V. Since the total capacitance is defined as C_total = Q_total / V, you get C_total = C1 + C2 + C3 + ... This is why the total capacitance in parallel is simply the sum of the individual capacitances. The other forms pertain to capacitors in series, where the reciprocals add: 1/C_total = 1/C1 + 1/C2 + ..., and for two capacitors in series, C_total = (C1*C2)/(C1 + C2).

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