Question

A student places two bar magnets next to each other, and the poles of the magnets attach to each other. How does the kinetic energy of the system change?
RENUS
(Picture source: Physics Stack Exchange)
(1 point)
Kinetic energy increases because the magnets move in the direction of the field.
Kinetic energy decreases because the magnets move in the opposite direction of the field.
Kinetic energy decreases because the magnets move in the direction of the field.
Kinetic energy increases because the magnets move in the opposite direction of the field.

Answer 1

Kinetic energy increases — the magnets move into regions of stronger magnetic field (i.e. in the direction of the field), so their magnetic potential energy decreases and is converted into kinetic energy. (Answer: 1)