To analyze the energy changes when the upper magnet is released, we first need to consider the forces acting on the magnets due to their magnetic fields. The two magnets repel each other because their south poles are facing one another. When the upper magnet is released, it experiences a repulsive force from the lower magnet.
As the upper magnet accelerates downward, the gravitational potential energy it had due to its height is converted into kinetic energy as it moves. However, once it stops 1 cm above the lower magnet, the upward magnetic force balances the downward gravitational force, leading to a state of equilibrium.
In this scenario, the energy stored in the magnetic field is not completely converted into kinetic energy because part of that energy is used to establish the new equilibrium position (1 cm above the lower magnet). The energy of the magnetic field still exists in the system as a potential energy component associated with the repulsive magnetic forces at that distance.
Thus, the appropriate response would be:
Some of the energy stored is converted into kinetic and thermal energy.
This reflects that while some energy is converted into kinetic energy as the magnet accelerates downwards, not all energy is converted to kinetic and thermal forms because some remains in the magnetic field at the final state, where mechanical equilibrium is established.
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