Unit comparisons: a capacitor of 0.02 µF is larger than which of the following equivalent-value expressions?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: 2,000 pF

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Comfort switching between F, µF, nF, and pF prevents costly sizing mistakes. Here we compare magnitudes by converting all options to the same unit scale.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Reference value: 0.02 µF.
  • Assume ideal capacitors; we only compare numeric magnitudes.


Concept / Approach:
Use 1 µF = 1000 nF = 10^6 pF. Then compare each candidate to 0.02 µF (which equals 20 nF = 20,000 pF). The reference is larger than values less than 20,000 pF and smaller than values greater than 20,000 pF.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Convert 0.02 µF → 20 nF → 20,000 pF.Option check: 2,000 pF = 0.002 µF (smaller) → reference is larger.200,000 pF = 0.2 µF (larger) → reference is smaller.0.000020 F = 20 µF (much larger) → reference is smaller.


Verification / Alternative check:
Cross-check by µF directly: 2,000 pF = 0.002 µF; 0.02 µF > 0.002 µF is true.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • 200,000 pF and 0.000020 F: Both correspond to larger capacitances than 0.02 µF.
  • All of the above: False because not all listed are smaller than 0.02 µF.
  • 20 nF: Exactly equal to 0.02 µF, not smaller; the prompt asks “larger than.”


Common Pitfalls:

  • Misplacing decimal points when converting pF to µF.
  • Confusing “larger than” with “equal to.”


Final Answer:
2,000 pF

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