Two magnets are placed on a table, and they immediately move to attach to each other. Which statement is correct about the energies in the system?

Question

Responses

The energy stored in the system is converted to kinetic and thermal energy.

The energy stored in the system is converted to kinetic energy.

The energy stored in the system is converted to thermal and sound energy.

The energy stored in the system is converted to kinetic, thermal, and sound energy.

Answer 1

The correct statement about the energies in the system is:

The energy stored in the system is converted to kinetic, thermal, and sound energy.

When the two magnets move towards each other, the potential energy they had due to their magnetic fields is converted into kinetic energy as they accelerate toward each other. Additionally, when they collide, some of that energy is transformed into thermal energy due to friction and deformation at the contact points, as well as sound energy because the collision can produce noise.