A sphere A, initially charged with 8 coulombs, is brought into contact with another sphere B, charged with −2 coulombs. After being separated, sphere B is grounded. Next, another sphere C, initially charged with −5 coulombs, is brought into contact with sphere A, and then they are separated. Sphere A is then brought into contact with sphere B again, and then separated. Determine the final charges on each sphere. Assume that all three spheres are made of the same material and have the same size.

Solution