Q 2.11) A 600pF capacitor is charged by a 200V supply. It is then disconnected from the supply and is connected to another uncharged 600 pF capacitor. How much electrostatic energy is lost in the process?

 

Given,

Capacitance, C = 600pF

Potential difference, V = 200v

Electrostatic energy stored in the capacitor is given by :

E1=12CV2=12×(600×1012)×(200)2J=1.2×105J

Acc. to the question, the source is disconnected to the 600pF and connected to another capacitor of 600pF, then equivalent capacitance (Ceq) of the combination is given by,

1Ceq=1C+1C1Ceq=1600+1600=2600=1300Ceq=300pF

New electrostatic energy can be calculated by:

E2=12CV2=12×300×(200)2J=0.6×105J

Loss in electrostatic energy,

E = E1 – E2

E = 1.2 x 10-5 – 0.6 x 10-5 J = 0.6 x 10-5 J = 6 x 10-6 J

Therefore, the electrostatic energy lost in the process is 6 x 10-6 J.