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Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance

  1. A capacitor of 2µF is charged as shown in the diagram. When the switch S is turned to position 2, the percentage of its stored energy dissipated is :
    1. 0%
    2. 20%
    3. ​75% ​
    4. 80%
Correct Option: D

When S and 1 are connected
The 2µF capacitor gets charged. The potential difference across its plates will be V. ​
The potential energy stored in 2 µF capacitor ​

Ui =
1
CV² =
1
× 2 × V² = V²
22

When S and 2 are connected
​The 8µF capacitor also gets charged. During this charging process current flows in the wire and some amount of energy is dissipated as heat. The energy loss is
​​∆U =
1
C1C2
(V1 - V2
2C1 + C2

​Here, C1 = 2µF, C2 8 µF, V1= V, V2 = 0
∴ ΔU =
1
×
2 × 8
(v - 0)² =
4
22 + 85

The percentage of the energy dissipated
=
ΔU
× 100 =
4/5 V²
× 100 = 80%
Ui



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