IB Physics Energy of Capacitors
/A tutorial sheet of problems on the HL topic energy of capacitors is given below.
- A capacitor gains a charge Q when it is connected by wires to a battery of emf V and zero internal resistance. Is the work done by the battery equal to the energy stored in the capacitor?
- A charged capacitor of capacitance C is connected by wires to an uncharged capacitor of equal capacitance. Show that one half of the original energy is lost. Where does it go?
- A capacitance C holds a charge Q and is connected in series with a resistance R. What is the heat energy released in R as the capacitor discharges?
- A dielectric slab is placed between the plates of a parallel plate capacitor. Explain the change in energy of the capacitor if the slab is inserted keeping (i) the potential difference between the plates constant, (ii) the charge on the plates constant.
- See Physics Education, vol 5, p 33, Sep 1998
