Question

Use the pictured setup to answer the question.

A 3D illustration of a bar magnet, colored red at its ends and silver in the middle, rests horizontally on a dark surface.

Two bar magnets are held in place in the configuration shown. If the magnets are pulled apart, which statement correctly describes the changes that will take place in the energy of the system?

(1 point)
Responses

Potential energy decreases because movement is in the opposite direction of the magnetic field.
Potential energy decreases because movement is in the opposite direction of the magnetic field.

Potential energy increases because movement is in the direction of the magnetic field.
Potential energy increases because movement is in the direction of the magnetic field.

Potential energy increases because movement is in the opposite direction of the magnetic field.
Potential energy increases because movement is in the opposite direction of the magnetic field.

Potential energy decreases because movement is in the direction of the magnetic field.
Potential energy decreases because movement is in the direction of the magnetic field.
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Answer 1

Potential energy increases — you must do work to pull the attracting poles apart, i.e. you move them opposite to the attractive magnetic force (opposite the local field), so the system's potential energy rises.