two bar magnets are held in place in the configuration shown. If the magnets are pulled apart, which statement correctly describes the changes that will take place in the energy of the system?

Responses

Potential energy decreases because movement is in the opposite

1 answer

When two bar magnets are held close to each other, they experience a magnetic interaction that can be described by their potential energy. If the magnets are pulled apart, the potential energy of the system will generally increase rather than decrease, particularly if they are oriented such that like poles are facing each other (repulsion) or opposite poles are facing each other (attraction).

Thus, if the statement is evaluated:

"Potential energy decreases because movement is in the opposite"

This is not correct under typical conditions. Instead, the potential energy increases when like poles (north-north or south-south) are moved apart, and it also increases when opposite poles are moved apart due to the nature of magnetic forces. Therefore, a correct statement would highlight that potential energy increases as the magnets are pulled apart.

In summary:

Potential energy increases when the magnets are pulled apart, regardless of their orientation.