A2L Item 247

• Description: Identify the correct expression for the energy stored in a capacitor.
• Goal: Link energy with electrical quantities
• Source: 283 - energy in capacitor
• Keywords: Electromagnetism, Circuits, Capacitors, Energy

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The question for students:

Consider the following circuit. The capacitor is uncharged when switch S is closed at t = 0. After current stops flowing and the capacitor is fully charged the energy stored in the capacitor is:

1. V^2^/R
2. CE^2^/2
3. QV/2
4. V/RC
5. none of the above

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Commentary for teachers:

Answer

(3) The intent of this question is to provide students the opportunity to distinguish a correct but uncommon form for the stored energy from a number of other familiar forms.

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