Final answer:
The electric potential energy of the original 1.89 F capacitor charged to 59.9 kV is approximately 3.389×10¹¹ joules, calculated using the formula U = 1/2 CV².
Step-by-step explanation:
The electric potential energy of the original capacitor charged to 59.9 kV with a capacitance of 1.89 F can be calculated using the formula U = 1/2 CV², where U is the electric potential energy, C is the capacitance, and V is the voltage.
So, the electric potential energy is:
U = 1/2 × 1.89 F × (59.9 × 10³ V)²
U = 0.5 × 1.89 × (59,900)²
U = 0.945 × (59,900)²
U = 0.945 × (3.588×10¹¹) J
U = 3.38910¹¹ J
Therefore, the electric potential energy of the original capacitor when fully charged is approximately 3.389×10¹¹ joules.