Two capacitors of unknown capacitances C1 and C2 are connected first in series and then in parallel across a battery of 100 V. If the energy stored in the two combinations is 0.045 J and 0.25 J respectively, determine the value of C1 and C2. Also, calculate the charge on each capacitor in parallel combination.
When the capacitors are connected in parallel,
Equivalent resistance,
Energy stored in capacitors, EP =
When the capacitors are connected in series,
Putting this in equation (2), we get
C2 = 50 – 11.2 = 38.2 μF
The charge on capacitor is given by, Q = CV
Charge on capacitor 1, C1 =
Charge on capacitor 2, C2 =