If two identical conducting spheres are in contact, any excess charge will be evenly distributed between the two. Three identical metal spheres are labeled A, B, and C. Initially, A has charge \(q\), \(\mathrm{B}\) has charge \(-q / 2\), and \(\mathrm{C}\) is uncharged.

a. What is the final charge on each sphere if \(\mathrm{C}\) is touched to \(\mathrm{B}\), removed, and then touched to \(\mathrm{A}\) ?

b. Starting again from the initial conditions, what is the charge on each sphere if C is touched to A, removed, and then touched to B?