Use the graph to answer the question.

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

Kinetic energy is at its peak when the magnets are first released, then it decreases steadily. Energy stored in the magnetic field becomes zero.
Kinetic energy is at its peak when the magnets are first released, then it decreases steadily. Energy stored in the magnetic field becomes zero.

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.

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.

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.

Answer 1

The best response that reflects the changes in energy as the magnets are released and move toward each other is:

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.

This response captures the fact that when the magnets are held apart, they have no kinetic energy, and as they are released, the potential energy associated with their magnetic fields is converted into kinetic energy as they move toward each other. The energy stored in the magnetic field decreases as the magnets come closer, resulting in increased kinetic energy and velocity.