Two identical conducting small spheres are placed with their centers $0\mathrm{.}245$ m apart. One is given a charge of $12\mathrm{.}0$ nC and the other a charge of $-20\mathrm{.}0$ nC$.$

$($a$)$ Find the electric force exerted by one sphere on the other.

magnitude Ndirection $---$Select$---$ toward the other sphere away from the other sphere

$($b$)$ The spheres are connected by a conducting wire. Find the electric force each exerts on the other after they have come to equilibrium.

magnitude Ndirection $---$Select$---$ toward the other sphere away from the other sphere