What is the Final Potential Across the First Capacitor After Switch Closure?

[phantom85]

A first capacitor is initially connected to potential source ?. The charged capacitor is then removed
from the source and connected to a second initially uncharged capacitor. Determine the final potential
across the first capacitor long after the switch is closed.

Homework Statement

Q1 charged by capacitor C1

Homework Equations

Q=Cε

The Attempt at a Solution

 

[jackarms]

You're going to have to give some effort to the problem. What do you think is going to happen once the the switch is closed, in terms of changes in charges and potentials, since those are the only quantities that can vary?

 

[phantom85]

So if it let charges at C1 when connected to voltage source to be Q' then after let charges at C1 and C2 to be Q1 and Q2. It should be Q1+Q2=Q' ?

 

[jackarms]

Yes, from conservation of charge. If you use the equation you listed, you can substitute capacitance times potential for each charge, and then that should open up the potential on C₁

 

[phantom85]

So V(C1+C2)=C1ε , and solving for V=(C1ε)/(C1+C2) is this correct?

 

[jackarms]

Yes, that's right. V is the same across both capacitors because they become equipotential surfaces.

 

[phantom85]

Alright Thank you.