Two identical capacitors C₁ and C₂ of equal capacitance, one charged and one uncharged, are disconnected from battery and connected together. The percentage loss of energy is: [Diagram: Image]
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Two identical capacitors C₁ and C₂ of equal capacitance, one charged and one uncharged, are disconnected from battery and connected together. The percentage loss of energy is: [Diagram: Image]

G1 Physics · Accepted Answer

Step 1: Initial energy U(initial) = ½CV² for one charged capacitor. Step 2: Initial total charge CV distributes equally on two identical capacitors giving V(final) = V/2. Step 3: U(final) = ½(2C)(V/2)² = CV²/4. Step 4: Energy loss fraction (U(initial)−U(final))/U(initial) = ½ = 50%.