What is the minimum capacitance a 200 microfarad capacitor can have to remain usable?

The minimum capacitance a capacitor can have while remaining usable is typically defined by its rated value and a tolerance factor. For a capacitor rated at 200 microfarads, the actual capacitance can be lower than its rated value due to variations in manufacturing and environmental conditions, but there is usually an allowable tolerance range.

In many cases, electrolytic capacitors have a tolerance of ±20%. This means that for a 200 microfarad capacitor, the minimum value it can have and still be considered functional would be calculated by taking 20% of 200 microfarads and subtracting that from the rated value.

Calculating 20% of 200 microfarads yields 40 microfarads. Subtracting this from the rated capacitance gives a minimum usable capacitance of 160 microfarads. However, this question specifies the minimum usable capacitance in terms of options given.

Among the options, 160 microfarads is indeed the closest representation of a practical minimum capacitance that would allow for effective operation while considering the manufacturing tolerances most capacitors fall under. Therefore, it highlights that for a 200 microfarad capacitor, a minimum capacitance designation should be around 160 microfarads to remain effective