Students attempted to use the setup shown above to demonstrate how an electromagnet works. They attempted to attract the paper clip up off of a table surface to the iron nail, but the paper clip did not move from its position on the table. Which statement correctly describes the forces acting on the paper clip when it failed to move?

Question

A.
The magnetic force applied to the paper clip was insufficient to overcome the frictional and gravitational forces acting on the paper clip.
B.
There were no forces acting on the paper clip.
C.
The frictional and gravitational forces acting on the paper clip were too weak compared with the stronger magnetic force applied to the paper clip.
D.
The only force acting on the paper clip was a magnetic force.

Answer 1

A. The magnetic force applied to the paper clip was insufficient to overcome the frictional and gravitational forces acting on the paper clip.