Final answer:
The magnitude of positive charges deposited on C1 is +3.8 C, and the magnitude of negative charges deposited on C1 is -3.8 C (option A)
Step-by-step explanation:
The magnitude of positive charges and the magnitude of negative charges deposited on an object must be equal if the total charge is to remain neutral. When you have multiple charges interacting, the final charge is the algebraic sum of all individual charges. Therefore, the key to solving questions regarding charge deposition on capacitors or conducting objects is understanding charge conservation and algebraic addition.
In the example where three metal spheres are charged with +3 nC, +3 nC, and -5 nC, the total charge after they touch each other and redistribute their charge will be the sum of the individual charges, yielding +1 nC (a). This reflects the fact that charge is conserved during interaction.
The magnitude of the charge is independent of its sign, which means +3.8 C of positive charge is the same magnitude as -3.8 C of negative charge. Therefore, if we're considering a scenario similar to the questions provided, we would apply the concept that the total positive charge must equal the total negative charge when the net charge is zero. Consequently, both the magnitude of positive and negative charges deposited on C1 would be equal and opposite. Without more information, we cannot definitively determine the correct option from the given choice A-D.
Lastly, Coulomb's law calculations usually involve determining the force between charges or the charge itself when given a force and distance as in problem 27, where charges that experience a 10 nN force 30 cm apart have a charge magnitude of +3.2 x 10-10 C (A).