Question

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.

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

C2 attracts B2.

Reason: A1 attracts both B1 and B2, so B must be nonmagnetic (both ends are attracted to a magnet). A2 repels C1, so A and C are magnets and A2 and C1 are the same pole; hence C2 is the opposite pole of C1 and therefore the same pole as A1. Since B is nonmagnetic, any magnet end (including C2) will attract B2.