Three capacitors \( 8 \, \text{pF} \), \( 16 \, \text{pF} \), and \( 32 \, \text{pF} \) are in parallel. What is the tot
**Common potential** after connection is weighted average of initial potentials by capacitances. Energy loss ΔU = ½ C₁ C₂ (V₁-V₂)²/(C₁+C₂) dissipated as heat and spark, always positive unless V₁=V₂, explaining why energy reduces after sharing. C = 8 + 16 + 32 = 56 pF . Using V = kQ/r, U = k q₁q₂/r, E = -dV/dr, C = ε₀A/d, 1/C_eq series, C_eq = ΣC parallel, U = ½ C V² and common potential V = Q_total/C_total, result 56 pF follows, reflecting potential-capacitance relations.
Ref: NCERT > Physics Book > Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance > Sharing of Charges, Common Potential and Applications