When a number of capacitors are connected in parallel between two points increases, the equivalent capacitance
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Increases
In a parallel combination every capacitor has the same potential difference \( V \) across it, and the charges on the capacitors add up to the total charge.
\( \displaystyle Q = Q_1 + Q_2 + \dots = (C_1 + C_2 + \dots)\,V \)
\( \displaystyle C_{\mathrm{eq}} = \frac{Q}{V} = C_1 + C_2 + C_3 + \dots \)
The equivalent capacitance is the sum of the individual capacitances. Each capacitor added in parallel adds its own capacitance to the sum, so the equivalent capacitance increases.
NCERT (2026-27):
Capacitors in Parallel – “Figure 2.28 (a) shows two capacitors arranged in parallel. In this case, the same potential difference is applied across both the capacitors. … The general formula for effective capacitance C for parallel combination of n capacitors [Fig. 2.28 (b)] follows similarly,
\( \displaystyle Q = Q_1 + Q_2 + \ldots + Q_n \qquad (2.65) \)
i.e.,
\( \displaystyle CV = C_1V + C_2V + \ldots + C_nV \qquad (2.66) \)
which gives
\( \displaystyle C = C_1 + C_2 + \ldots + C_n \qquad (2.67) \)”