Three identical capacitors, P, Q and S, each of the capacitance C, are connected to a battery of voltage V, as shown in the figure. If the energy stored in the capacitor P and total energy stored in the system are UP and UT, respectively, then the ratio UPUT is: [figure]
- 1/6
- 2/3
- 1/3
- 1/2
Answer
(1) 1/6
Solution
Capacitors P and Q are in series across voltage V. Since they are identical, the potential difference across capacitor P is VP = V2.
Energy stored in capacitor P:
UP = 12 C VP2 = 12 C ( V2 )2 = 18 C V2
The equivalent capacitance of the branch with P and Q is C2.
Capacitor S of capacitance C is in parallel with this branch across the battery of voltage V.
Total equivalent capacitance of the circuit:
Ceq = C2 + C = 32C
Total energy stored in the system:
UT = 12 Ceq V2 = 12 ( 32C )V2 = 34 C V2
Therefore, the ratio is:
UPUT = 18 C V2 34 C V2 = 16
Answer: (1)