A horseshoe magnet is moved toward a pile of iron shavings. The iron shavings divide and attach to both ends of the magnet how does the kinetic energy of the system change

Answer 1

The kinetic energy of the system increases when a horseshoe magnet is moved toward a pile of iron shavings.

As the magnet moves closer to the iron shavings, the magnetic field of the magnet interacts with the magnetic domains in the iron shavings. This interaction causes the domains in the iron shavings to align with the magnetic field of the magnet. As a result, the iron shavings are attracted to both ends of the magnet, sticking to its surface.

When the iron shavings attach to the magnet, they move along with it, which means that they gain kinetic energy. The kinetic energy of the iron shavings increases as they move closer to the magnet, due to the magnet's motion.

Overall, the kinetic energy of the system increases because the iron shavings gain kinetic energy as they attach to the moving magnet.