Two spherical conductors $B$ and $C$ having equal radii and carrying equal charges in them repel each other with a force $F$ when kept apart at some distance. A third spherical conductor having same radius as that of $B$ but uncharged is brought in contact with $B$, then brought in contact with $C$ and finally removed away from both. The new force of repulsion between $B$ and $C$ is\\
(1) $\mathrm { F } / 4$\\
(2) $3 F / 4$\\
(3) $F / 8$\\
(4) $3 \mathrm {~F} / 8$