Question

A 10 $\mu$F capacitor is charged to a potential difference of 1000 V. The terminals of the charged capacitor are disconnected from the power supply and connected to the terminals of an uncharged 6 $\mu$F capacitor. What is the final potential difference across each capacitor?

• A. 167 V
• B. 100 V
• C. 625 V
• D. 250 V

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

625 V

Answer 2

The capacitance of system of capacitors
\hspace40mm C = C_1 + C_2
\hspace40mm = 10 + 6 = 16 \mu F
The charge stored in first capacitor
\hspace40mm q = C_1 V
\hspace40mm = 10 \times 1000 = 10^4 \mu C
Final potential difference across each capacitor
\hspace40mm V' = q/C = 10^4 / 16
\hspace40mm = 625 \, volt