Two capacitors, C1 = 4.5 F and C2 = 15.9 F, are charged to V1 = 16.3 V and V2 =

Question

Two capacitors, C1 = 4.5 F and C2 = 15.9 F, are charged to V1 = 16.3 V and V2 = 3.7 V, respectively. They are then connected in parallel, with the positive plates together and the negative plates together.

(A)What is the final potential difference across the plates of the capacitors?

(B)What is the magnitude of the charge that flows from one capacitor to the other when the capacitors are connected together?

(C)What is the absolute value of the decrease in total stored energy when the two capacitors are connected?

Explanation / Answer

1) average voltage applied to both
2) use q=Ctot x Vaverage, where Ctot =C1+C2
3) use E=1/2CV^2 ( or E=1/2QV, since Q=C/V) for each individually then for both in parallel. Then take the difference

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse T
• Subjects

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.