Unit conversion in electronics: Convert a capacitance of 0.01 µF into an equivalent value in picofarads (pF).

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: 10,000 pF

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Electronics often requires quick conversion among farad sub-multiples: microfarads (µF), nanofarads (nF), and picofarads (pF). This question checks accurate unit conversion across orders of magnitude.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Capacitance C = 0.01 µF.
  • Find the equivalent in picofarads.


Concept / Approach:
Use standard SI relations: 1 µF = 10^-6 F, 1 nF = 10^-9 F, 1 pF = 10^-12 F. Also, 1 µF = 1,000 nF and 1 nF = 1,000 pF, so 1 µF = 1,000,000 pF.


Step-by-Step Solution:
C = 0.01 µFConvert µF to pF directly: 1 µF = 1,000,000 pFTherefore, 0.01 µF = 0.01 * 1,000,000 pF= 10,000 pF


Verification / Alternative check:
Convert via nanofarads first: 0.01 µF = 10 nF, and 10 nF = 10 * 1,000 pF = 10,000 pF. Both approaches yield the same result.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • 100 pF and 1,000 pF: Undershoot by factors of 100 and 10, respectively.
  • 100,000 pF: Overshoot by a factor of 10.


Common Pitfalls:
Mixing up nF and pF steps or forgetting that 1 µF equals one million pF. Writing 0.01 µF as 100 pF is a typical decimal-place error.


Final Answer:
10,000 pF

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