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title: "In the circuit shown, capacitor \\(C_1\\) with capacitance \\(3C\\) is initially charged to a potential difference \\(V_0\\). Capacitors \\(C_2\\) of capacitance \\(6C\\) and \\(C_3\\) of capacitance \\(3C\\) are initially uncharged and connected in series with an open switch \\(S\\) across \\(C_1\\). After switch \\(S\\) is closed and the system reaches electrostatic equilibrium, what is the total electrostatic energy dissipated in the circuit?"
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url: "https://nerd-notes.com/ubq/121181/"
date_modified: "2026-08-23T04:58:27+00:00"
---

# In the circuit shown, capacitor \(C_1\) with capacitance \(3C\) is initially charged to a potential difference \(V_0\). Capacitors \(C_2\) of capacitance \(6C\) and \(C_3\) of capacitance \(3C\) are initially uncharged and connected in series with an open switch \(S\) across \(C_1\). After switch \(S\) is closed and the system reaches electrostatic equilibrium, what is the total electrostatic energy dissipated in the circuit?

In the circuit shown, capacitor \(C_1\) with capacitance \(3C\) is initially charged to a potential difference \(V_0\). Capacitors \(C_2\) of capacitance \(6C\) and \(C_3\) of capacitance \(3C\) are initially uncharged and connected in series with an open switch \(S\) across \(C_1\). After switch \(S\) is closed and the system reaches electrostatic equilibrium, what is the total electrostatic energy dissipated in the circuit?

![A rectangular schematic circuit diagram oriented horizontally. The left vertical branch contains a parallel-plate capacitor symbol labeled C_1 = 3C. Horizontal connecting wire segments extend to the right along the top and bottom. The right vertical branch contains, in order from top to bottom: an open single-pole single-throw switch labeled S, a parallel-plate capacitor symbol labeled C_2 = 6C, and a parallel-plate capacitor symbol labeled C_3 = 3C. All connecting wires are solid black lines. No other labels, lines, text, or circuit components appear.](https://nerd-notes.com/wp-content/uploads/ubq-frq-generated/stem-fig-1-1787461106-CO022F.jpg)

- **A.** \(\dfrac{1}{5} C V_0^2\)
- **B.** \(\dfrac{3}{10} C V_0^2\)
- **C.** \(\dfrac{1}{2} C V_0^2\)
- **D.** \(\dfrac{3}{5} C V_0^2\)

*The answer key and step-by-step explanation are available to logged-in users at https://nerd-notes.com/ubq/121181/*