Question

Two bar magnets are held in place with their north poles facing each other. Both magnets are released at the same time. Which statement describing changes to the energy of the system is correct?(1 point)
Responses

Potential energy decreases, and kinetic and thermal energy increase.
Potential energy decreases, and kinetic and thermal energy increase.

Potential energy increases, and kinetic and thermal energy decrease.
Potential energy increases, and kinetic and thermal energy decrease.

Potential energy increases, kinetic energy decreases, and thermal energy increases.
Potential energy increases, kinetic energy decreases, and thermal energy increases.

Potential energy decreases, kinetic energy increases, and thermal energy decreases.

Answer 1

Potential energy decreases, and kinetic and thermal energy increase.

Explanation: Like poles repel, so the magnets move apart when released. Magnetic potential energy is converted into kinetic energy of the magnets. Some of the energy will also dissipate as thermal energy (air resistance, internal friction), so thermal energy increases rather than decreases.