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. How does the graph reflect the changes in energy that occur?

(1 point)
Responses

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.

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.

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

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.

Explanation: the magnetic potential energy (energy in the field) is converted into kinetic energy as the magnets accelerate toward each other; on collision that kinetic energy is then dissipated (sound, heat, deformation).