Related Formula
Vcommon = (C₁ V₁ + C₂ V₂)/(C₁ + C₂)$$V_{\text{common}} = \frac{C_1 V_1 + C_2 V_2}{C_1 + C_2}$$
Q₂ = C₂ Vcommon$$Q_2 = C_2 V_{\text{common}}$$
Core Logic
Given C₁ = 10 × 10⁻⁶ ~F, V₁ = 6.0 ~V$C_1 = 10 \times 10^{-6} \mathrm{~F}, V_1 = 6.0 \mathrm{~V}$ and C₂ = 20 × 10⁻⁶ ~F, V₂ = 0 ~V$C_2 = 20 \times 10^{-6} \mathrm{~F}, V_2 = 0 \mathrm{~V}$:
Vcommon = 10⁻⁵ × 6 + 010⁻⁵ + 2 × 10⁻⁵ = 6 × 10⁻⁵3 × 10⁻⁵ = 2 ~V$$V_{\text{common}} = \frac{10^{-5} \times 6 + 0}{10^{-5} + 2 \times 10^{-5}} = \frac{6 \times 10^{-5}}{3 \times 10^{-5}} = 2 \mathrm{~V}$$
Calculating final charge on capacitor Q (C₂$C_2$):
Q₂ = C₂ Vcommon = (20 × 10⁻⁶ ~F) × 2 ~V = 40 × 10⁻⁶ ~C = 4 × 10⁻⁵ ~C$$Q_2 = C_2 V_{\text{common}} = (20 \times 10^{-6} \mathrm{~F}) \times 2 \mathrm{~V} = 40 \times 10^{-6} \mathrm{~C} = 4 \times 10^{-5} \mathrm{~C}$$
Comparing with α × 10⁻⁵ ~C α = 4$\alpha \times 10^{-5} \mathrm{~C} \implies \alpha = 4$.
Step 1: Final Conclusion
The value of α$\alpha$ is 4.
Pattern Recognition
Charge distribution rule: Total initial charge Qtotal = C₁ V₁ = 60$Q_{total} = C_1 V_1 = 60\,\mu\mathrm{C}$.
Final charge splits in proportion to capacitance ratio C₂ / (C₁+C₂) = 2/3$C_2 / (C_1+C_2) = 2/3$.
Q₂ = (2/3) × 60 = 40 = 4 × 10⁻⁵~C$Q_2 = (2/3) \times 60\,\mu\mathrm{C} = 40\,\mu\mathrm{C} = 4 \times 10^{-5}\mathrm{~C}$.
Chapter Mix
Class 12 Physics: Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance