The energy stored in a capacitor is given by the formula:
\[
E = \frac{1}{2} C V^2
\]
Step 1: Initial Energy Calculation.
The initial energy stored in the given spherical capacitor is:
\[
E_{\text{initial}} = \frac{1}{2} \times 100 \times 10^{-12} \times (100)^2
E_{\text{initial}} = \frac{1}{2} \times 100 \times 10^{-12} \times 10^4
E_{\text{initial}} = 0.5 \times 10^{-6} \, \text{J}
\]
Step 2: Final Energy Calculation.
When the identical capacitor is connected, the combined capacitance becomes 200 pF. The new total energy is:
\[
E_{\text{final}} = \frac{1}{2} \times 200 \times 10^{-12} \times (100)^2
E_{\text{final}} = \frac{1}{2} \times 200 \times 10^{-12} \times 10^4
E_{\text{final}} = 1 \times 10^{-6} \, \text{J}
\]
Step 3: Change in Energy.
The change in energy is:
\[
\Delta E = E_{\text{final}} - E_{\text{initial}} = 1 \times 10^{-6} - 0.5 \times 10^{-6} = 0.5 \times 10^{-6} \, \text{J}
\]
Now, we are given that the change in total energy is \( \alpha \times 10^{-7} \) J, so:
\[
0.5 \times 10^{-6} = \alpha \times 10^{-7}
\]
Solving for \( \alpha \):
\[
\alpha = 5
\]
Final Answer: 2.5