- #1
toothpaste666
- 516
- 20
Homework Statement
Homework Equations
Q = CV
The Attempt at a Solution
C1 charges to Q0 = C1V = (8 x 10^-6 F)(12 V) = 9.6 x10^-5 C
when the switch is flipped the total charge is the same (Q0) but it is spread over the two capacitors which are now in parallel. so Q1 + Q2 = Q0
so C1V1 + C2V2 = Q0
but the capacitors are in parallel so they have the same voltage
so V(C1+C2) = Q0
V = Q0/(C1+C2) = (9.6x10^-5)/(8x10^-6 + 12 x10^-6) = 4.8 V
which is the answer to part a)
for part b)
Q1 = C1V = (8x10^-6)(4.8) = 3.84 x 10 ^-5 C
Q2 = C2V = (12x10^-6)(4.8) = 5.76 x 10^-5 C