Two identical \(500-\mathrm{mg}\) paper clips, 1 and 2 , dangle from two strings, the top ends of which are tied to the same nail. The clips are charged in such a way that the two strings hang with an angle of \(32.0^{\circ}\) between them.

(a) Draw a free-body diagram for clip 1, which is to the left of clip 2.

(b) What are the magnitude and direction of the electric force exerted by one clip on the other?

(c) If the two clips were brought in contact with each other for an instant and then released, might they discharge into each other and no longer repel?