three identical conducting spheres are mounted on insulating stands, and initially charged as shown in the…

Explanation:

Step1: Calculate total charge before

The charges on the three spheres before are $q_1 = + 3.52\ C$, $q_2=0\ C$, $q_3=-9.44\ C$. The total charge $Q_{before}$ is the sum of these charges. $Q_{before}=q_1 + q_2+q_3=3.52 + 0+( - 9.44)=-5.92\ C$

Step2: Determine total charge after

According to the law of conservation of charge, the total charge of an isolated - system remains constant. Since the three spheres are an isolated system when they are in contact, $Q_{after}=Q_{before}=-5.92\ C$

Step3: Calculate charge on each sphere after

Because the three spheres are identical conducting spheres, when they are in contact, the charge is evenly distributed among them. Let the charge on each sphere after be $q$. Since there are three spheres, $Q_{after}=3q$. $q=\frac{Q_{after}}{3}=\frac{-5.92}{3}\approx - 1.97\ C$

Answer:

What was the total charge on the three spheres before? -5.92 C What is the total charge on the three spheres after? -5.92 C Charge on each sphere after: -1.97 C, -1.97 C, -1.97 C