Energy Stored in a Capacitor
 

Energy Stored in a Capacitor problem 19


Two capacitors A and B are connected into the circuit shown in the figure below.




Capacitor A has capacitance and capacitor B has capacitance . The electromotive force (e.m.f.) of the cell is . The two-way switch S is initially at position X, and capacitor B is initially uncharged.


  • State, in terms of and , expression for the initial energy stored in capacitor A.


  • The two-way switch S is now moved to position Y.


    • Show that the final potential difference (p.d.) across capacitor B is given by




      Explain your reasoning.


    • Determine an expression, in terms of and , for the decrease in the total energy that is stored in the capacitors as a result of the change of the position of the switch.


 

main author and content editor: Ebenezer Famadewa