Barton conducts an experiment using three metallic bars that might be magnets. The bars are labeled A, B, and C. The ends of each bar are numbered 1 or 2.

Question

3 rectangles aligned horizontally end to end. The first has 1 A 2 on it. The second has 1 B 2 on it. The third has 1 C 2 on it.

He places the end of one bar close to an end of a second bar and records his results in the table shown.

A 3 column table with 3 rows. The first column is labeled end with entries A 1, A 2, B 2. The second column is labeled end with entries B 1, C 1, A 1. The last column is labeled result with entries attract, repel, attract.

Based on the data, which prediction should he expect to occur?

A2 repels B1.
C2 attracts B2.
B1 repels C1.
A1 attracts C2.

Answer 1

To analyze the behavior of the bars based on the experiment Barton conducted, we can use the results he recorded to infer the interactions between the different ends of the bars.

From the table:

1. A1 and B1 have an attracting interaction.
2. A2 and C1 have a repelling interaction.
3. B2 and A1 have an attracting interaction.

Using these results, we can extrapolate some possibilities for the remaining combinations:

• Since A1 attracts B1, and since like poles repel, it's implied that A1 is a north pole and B1 is a south pole (or vice versa).
• Since A2 and C1 repel, it suggests that A2 and C1 are the same type of pole (both north or both south).
• Since B2 attracts A1, it implies that B2 is the opposite pole of A1.

Now, addressing the predictions:

1. A2 repels B1: This cannot be confirmed from the results because we have no direct interaction tested between these two bars.

2. C2 attracts B2: This cannot be confirmed either, as we don't have results that indicate the interaction between these two.

3. B1 repels C1: Since A2 repels C1, and A2 is opposite to A1 (from our earlier deduced pairs), we cannot confirm this as we need direct results involving B1 and C1.

4. A1 attracts C2: There's no direct result indicating the relationship between A1 and C2, but this does not contradict the established relationships.

Considering that we don't definitively know the interactions for options 2, 3, and 4 from the data provided, the most confident extrapolation involves A1 attracting B2 based on their mutual attraction shown in the table with other known poles.

Thus, based on the deductions, we can say that one of their interactions might imply that A1 attracts nature aligns closely with A1 attracting C2—however, this specific coupling isn't confirmed by a direct result.

So, from the options given, we cannot predict definitively which interaction will occur without additional pairs being measured. But, if forced to select, A1 attracts C2 seems more plausible based on the established attraction from other poles.

In summary, the safest answer without contradictions would lean towards A1 attracts C2.