What is the initial voltage of the capacitor in this circuit?

[Abdulwahab Hajar]

Homework Statement

I would like to know the initial voltage across the capacitor terminals in the following diagram.

Homework Equations

when a capacitor is connected to a DC source for a long time, it acts an open circuit.

The Attempt at a Solution

for t < 0, we get the diagram below and I believe the voltage should be 12V right?
just making sure, because In an online solution it said the voltage is 0, if so why?
Thank you

 

[gneill]

Before t = 0 the circuit is open at b. How could charge flow into the capacitor?

 

[Abdulwahab Hajar]

Before t = 0 the circuit is open at b. How could charge flow into the capacitor?

but isn't one of the terminals of the capacitor connected to the 12V source?
while the other is just simply disconnected... shouldn't that incur a potential difference between the two plates

 

[Abdulwahab Hajar]

Before t = 0 the circuit is open at b. How could charge flow into the capacitor?

never mind sir, I get it... very silly mistake
thanks though