FCC Exam Question: 6A74

The total reactance when two capacitances of equal value are connected in series is:

A. The product of the two individual reactances in ohms
B. The sum of the two individual reactances in ohms
C. The difference of the two individual reactances in ohms
D. None of the above
Correct Answer: B

Explanation: In a series circuit, the total opposition to current flow for reactive components generally sums up. This principle applies directly to capacitive reactance ($X_C$). While individual capacitance values in series combine reciprocally (leading to a smaller total capacitance), the *reactance* itself—the actual opposition to the alternating current—adds directly, similar to how resistances or inductive reactances add in series. Each capacitor in the series path contributes to the overall opposition to AC current. Therefore, to find the total capacitive reactance, you simply sum the individual reactances: $X_{CTotal} = X_{C1} + X_{C2}$. This aligns with the fundamental behavior of series elements in an electrical circuit, where the total "impeding effect" is the sum of the individual impeding effects. Options A and C do not represent how reactances combine in series.

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Includes Elements 1, 3, 6, 7R, 8, and 9.