At t = 0, the capacitor has charge q₀. Switch S is then closed. The heat lost in the 3R resistor is x×10⁻⁶ J. Find x. Given q₀ = 15 µC and C = 6/55 µF.

Question

G1 Physics · Accepted Answer

During discharge, energy divides among the resistors in proportion to their resistances in the relevant current path. Using q₀²/(2C) for the initial capacitor energy and the shown network gives heat in 3R = 225×10⁻⁶ J. Hence x=225.