Step 1: Volume of a Soap Bubble.
The volume \( V \) of a soap bubble is related to its radius \( r \) by the formula:
\[
V = \frac{4}{3} \pi r^3
\]
This volume is conserved when two soap bubbles coalesce under isothermal conditions.
Step 2: Total Volume Before Coalescence.
The total volume before coalescence is the sum of the volumes of both bubbles. If the radius of the first bubble is 3 cm and the radius of the second bubble is 4 cm, the total initial volume is:
\[
V_{\text{total}} = \frac{4}{3} \pi (3^3) + \frac{4}{3} \pi (4^3)
\]
\[
V_{\text{total}} = \frac{4}{3} \pi (27) + \frac{4}{3} \pi (64) = \frac{4}{3} \pi (91) = 121.33 \pi \, \text{cm}^3
\]
Step 3: New Radius After Coalescence.
The volume of the new bubble is the same as the total initial volume:
\[
V_{\text{new}} = \frac{4}{3} \pi r_{\text{new}}^3
\]
Equating the two volumes:
\[
\frac{4}{3} \pi r_{\text{new}}^3 = 121.33 \pi
\]
\[
r_{\text{new}}^3 = 121.33
\]
\[
r_{\text{new}} = \sqrt[3]{121.33} = 5 \, \text{cm}
\]