U = 1794.005 × 10⁶ J. Explanation: Information provided indicates that the capacitance of the original capacitor is C = 1.27 F, and the potential difference applied to it is V = 59.9 kV, or 59.9 × 10³ V. The potential energy (U) for the capacitor is determined by the formula: U = (1/2) × C × V². Substituting the respective values, we find U = (1/2) × 1.27 × (59.9 × 10³)², resulting in U = 1794.005 × 10⁶ J.
