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AP Physics C: E&M
9.2 Electric Potential
9.1 Electric Potential Energy
IntermediateMCQMathematicalConceptual19.1k
Dielectric slabs inserted into an isolated capacitor and a battery-connected capacitor.
Dielectric slabs inserted into an isolated capacitor and a battery-connected capacitor.
Two identical parallel-plate capacitors, 1 and 2, each have capacitance \(C_0\) and are initially charged so that each stores electrostatic potential energy \(U_0\). Capacitor 1 is disconnected from its charging source, while Capacitor 2 remains connected to a battery that maintains a constant electric potential difference across its plates. A slab of uncharged dielectric material with dielectric constant \(\kappa > 1\) is then inserted to completely fill the space between the plates of each capacitor. Which row in the table correctly describes how the electric potential difference across Capacitor 1, the electrostatic potential energy stored in Capacitor 1, and the electrostatic potential energy stored in Capacitor 2 change after the slabs are inserted?

Potential Difference Across Capacitor 1Stored Energy in Capacitor 1Stored Energy in Capacitor 2
(A)DecreasesDecreasesIncreases
(B)DecreasesDecreasesDecreases
(C)Remains constantDecreasesIncreases
(D)DecreasesIncreasesDecreases

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