Question

Two bar magnets are hung from metal rods and held in the position shown below.

The magnets are released and swing freely. Which diagram best predicts their final position?

A.
B.
C.
D.

Answer 1

Diagram C would best predict their final position because the north pole is directly next to a south pole and therefore they will both be attracted to each other, pulling the poles (N and S) closer.

Answer 2

The correct diagram is C.

In fact, the magnetic force works as the electrostatic force: like poles repel each other, while opposite poles attract each other. In this example, we have two magnets one next to each other, and we see that the north pole of one magnet is close to the south pole of the other: therefore, the two poles attract each other, so the two magnets will move closer, as in diagram C.