What effect does connecting a capacitor in series with one ballast have on fluorescent lighting?

Connecting a capacitor in series with one ballast in a fluorescent lighting system primarily serves to reduce the stroboscopic effect. The stroboscopic effect is a phenomenon where the flickering of lights, often unnoticed by the human eye, can create visual distortions, particularly affecting the appearance of rotating objects and can lead to safety hazards. By adding a capacitor in series with the ballast, the input power factor is improved, leading to a smoother operation of the electrical circuits and effectively reducing the flicker rate of the fluorescent lamp.

This reduction in flicker helps create a more stable and consistent light output, enhancing the perceived quality of the light and making it more conducive for activities that require visual accuracy, such as in work environments.

While other options may have their benefits in different contexts or setups, the primary role of the capacitor in this configuration is particularly focused on mitigating flicker and enhancing the stability of the light output.