Deep Dive: G5C13
The correct answer is C: A capacitor in parallel. The component that should be added to a capacitor to increase the capacitance is a capacitor in parallel. Parallel capacitors add directly, increasing total capacitance. For amateur radio operators, this is a basic parallel capacitance principle. Understanding this helps when designing circuits.
Why Other Answers Are Wrong
Option A: Incorrect. An inductor in series doesn't increase capacitance - inductors affect inductance, not capacitance. Series inductor doesn't help. Option B: Incorrect. An inductor in parallel doesn't increase capacitance - inductors affect inductance, not capacitance. Parallel inductor doesn't help. Option D: Incorrect. A capacitor in series decreases total capacitance - series capacitors use reciprocal formula, reducing capacitance. Series capacitor doesn't increase capacitance.
Exam Tip
Increase capacitance = add capacitor in parallel. Think 'I'ncrease 'C'apacitance = 'I'n parallel 'C'apacitors add. Parallel capacitors add directly, increasing total capacitance. Not inductor, not series capacitor - just parallel capacitor.
Memory Aid
Increase capacitance = add capacitor in parallel. Think 'I'ncrease 'C'apacitance = 'I'n parallel. Parallel capacitors add directly, increasing total capacitance. Standard way to increase capacitance.
Real-World Example
You have a 10 µF capacitor and want more capacitance. You add a 20 µF capacitor in parallel. Total capacitance = 10 + 20 = 30 µF. Parallel capacitors add directly, increasing total capacitance. This is how you increase capacitance.
Source & Coverage
Question Pool: 2023-2027 Question Pool
Subelement: G5C
Reference: 2023-2027 Question Pool · G5 - Electrical Principles
Key Concepts
Verified Content
Question from the official FCC General Class pool. Explanation reviewed by licensed amateur radio operators and mapped to the G5C topic.