ASA Electrical System Practice Test 2025 - Free Electrical System Practice Questions and Study Guide

Connecting a capacitor in parallel with the generator is the most effective method for minimizing radio interference. When capacitors are placed in parallel, they create a low-impedance path for high-frequency signals, which helps to filter out noise and interference. This is particularly important in electrical systems where radio frequency interference can disrupt communication equipment and affect the performance of sensitive devices.

In a parallel configuration, as the capacitor charges and discharges, it effectively absorbs spikes and transients in voltage, reducing the potential for electromagnetic interference. This arrangement also maintains the voltage across the generator while providing the necessary filtering, thereby preventing unwanted signals from propagating through the system.

Using a series connection would not provide the same level of filtering since the impedance at higher frequencies increases, potentially allowing more interference to pass through. A hybrid configuration could imply a combination of series and parallel connections, which might complicate the filtering process. Finally, not connecting the capacitor at all would completely negate any benefits that may be derived from using it to mitigate radio interference. Thus, the parallel connection is the optimal choice for improving the performance of the electrical system and minimizing disruption from interference.