Question

Two magnets are held apart. Once released, the south pole of one magnet moves toward the north pole of another magnet until the magnets collide.

(1 point)
Responses

The kinetic energy of the system is derived from the thermal energy created by increased velocity. Energy stored in the magnetic field does not change.
The kinetic energy of the system is derived from the thermal energy created by increased velocity. Energy stored in the magnetic field does not change.

The velocity and kinetic energy of the system increase as the energy stored in the magnetic field increases.
The velocity and kinetic energy of the system increase as the energy stored in the magnetic field increases.

Kinetic energy and velocity are at zero when the magnets are held apart, and both increase rapidly when they are released and move together. Energy stored in the magnetic field decreases.
Kinetic energy and velocity are at zero when the magnets are held apart, and both increase rapidly when they are released and move together. Energy stored in the magnetic field decreases.

Kinetic energy is at its peak when the magnets are first released, then it decreases steadily. Energy stored in the magnetic field becomes zero.

Answer 1

The correct response is:

**Kinetic energy and velocity are at zero when the magnets are held apart, and both increase rapidly when they are released and move together. Energy stored in the magnetic field decreases.**

This statement accurately reflects the situation: when the magnets are initially held apart, they have potential energy due to their magnetic fields. When released, they accelerate toward each other, converting that potential energy into kinetic energy as their velocity increases. Simultaneously, the energy stored in the magnetic field decreases as the magnets come closer together and interact.