Question

a red metal ball with a charge of 3mc touches a blue metal ball with a charge of -4mc. what is the final charge of the red ball? type only numbers in the answer in the box and use standard unit abbreviations for the unit box. show your work on paper and submit at the end of the assignment to receive full credit. draw a diagram showing the charges of the objects before and after touching. your answer:

Explanation:

Step1: Calculate total initial charge

$Q_{total} = Q_{red} + Q_{blue} = 3\,\text{mC} + (-4\,\text{mC}) = -1\,\text{mC}$

Step2: Find final equal charge

When identical metal balls touch, charge distributes equally.
$Q_{final} = \frac{Q_{total}}{2} = \frac{-1\,\text{mC}}{2} = -0.5\,\text{mC}$

Answer:

$-0.5\,\text{mC}$

(Note: For the required diagram: Before touching, draw a red ball labeled $3\,\text{mC}$ and a blue ball labeled $-4\,\text{mC}$. After touching, draw both balls labeled $-0.5\,\text{mC}$ each, indicating equal charge distribution.)