Determine the steady state voltage across the capacitor C1 and C2 shown in the circuit below. Initial voltage across VC2 = 0 V. [Figure description: A 10 V battery in series with a 1 Ω resistor leads to a changeover switch S (at t = 0) with contacts a and b. In position a the switch connects the 10 V source/1 Ω resistor to capacitor C1 = 6 F (connected to the common bottom rail). In position b the switch connects C1 to a second 1 Ω resistor in series with capacitor C2 = 3 F (to the common bottom rail). So C1 is first charged from the source, then S moves to b and C1 shares charge with C2 through the 1 Ω resistor.]
- A. VC1 = VC2 = 20/3 V
- B. VC1 = VC2 = 10/3 V
- C. VC1 = 20/3 V and VC2 = 10/3 V
- D. VC1 = 10/3 V and VC2 = 20/3 V
Answer: A. VC1 = VC2 = 20/3 V
Explanation: In position a, C1 = 6 F charges to 10 V (Q = 60 C). In position b, charge is redistributed across C1 and C2 = 3 F in parallel: Vfinal = Q / (C1 + C2) = 60 / 9 = 20/3 V.