Question

Brody brings a magnet near an object. He notices that the object is pulled closer to the magnet. He can flip the magnet to the other side and notices the object is pushed away by the same force. Which of the following best describes the magnetic force?

A. Repulsive and attractive
B. Nonexistent
C. Destructive
D. Gravitational

Answer 1

The magnetic force observed by Brody that causes an object to be pulled closer or pushed away is best described as both attractive and repulsive, revealing the dual nature of magnetic forces.

Step-by-step explanation:

When Brody brings a magnet near an object and notices it being pulled closer and then pushed away when flipped, it best describes the magnetic force as being both attractive and repulsive. Magnets exert forces that can attract certain materials like iron, nickel, and cobalt. When two magnets are brought close to each other, opposite poles attract while the same poles repel each other. This behavior demonstrates the dual nature of magnetic forces—they can pull objects closer (attract) or push them away (repel) depending on the orientation of the magnetic poles.