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
• E. 750 V

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

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