Q 12-02-001NEETNEET 2026Top questionMedium
Three identical capacitors $P$, $Q$ and $S$, each of the capacitance $C$, are connected to a battery of voltage $V$, as shown in the figure. If the energy stored in the capacitor $P$ and total energy stored in the system are $U_P$ and $U_T$, respectively, then the ratio $\dfrac{U_P}{U_T}$ is :
Answer: (D) $1/6$
Concept. $P$ and $Q$ in series ($\dfrac C2$), in parallel with $S$ across the battery.
Step 1. Energy in P. Charge $\dfrac{CV}{2}$: $U_P = \dfrac{q^2}{2C} = \dfrac{CV^2}{8}$.
Step 2. Total. $C_{eq} = \dfrac{3C}{2}$: $U_T = \dfrac{3CV^2}{4}$.
Step 3. Ratio. $\dfrac{1/8}{3/4} = \dfrac16$.
Answer. $1/6$ (Option D).
Solution by Sreeraj P, M.Sc Physics