First construct the periodic response required in the introductory clause. At , the terms cancel for a sinusoid, leaving . Thus
This resonant series RLC response dissipates energy through Joule heating. Over one period,
The Q factor, using the maximum magnetic energy , is consequently
For a series RLC circuit driven by with and , substitution shows that solves the current equation. The inductive and capacitive terms cancel at this resonance. Every homogeneous contribution decays, so every solution approaches this periodic response. Its Q factor is .