Question

Two magnets rest on a table. Because like poles of a magnet repel each other, the magnets exert a force on each other.If Magnet 1 is moved closer to Magnet 2, Magnet 2 will move. This is because–

(A)objects need to touch each other in order to cause movement.
(B)magnets can only exert a force on other magnets.
(C)changing the positions of the magnets changed the energy of the system.
(D)moving Magnet 1 changed the force needed to move Magnet 2.

Answer 1

The correct answer is (D) because moving Magnet 1 closer to Magnet 2 changes the force exerted between them, causing Magnet 2 to move due to repulsion between like poles.

Step-by-step explanation:

When two magnets rest on a table, their magnetic fields interact with each other without any physical contact necessary. This interaction is due to the magnetic fields that each magnet creates. Magnetic fields result from the motion of electric charges, which means all magnetism is caused by the flow of current. When like poles of two magnets come in proximity—such as two north poles or two south poles—they repel each other since their magnetic field lines diverge. Therefore, when Magnet 1 is moved closer to Magnet 2, the magnetic field lines between them change, resulting in Magnet 2 moving due to the increased repulsive force. This explains why the correct answer to the student's question is (D) moving Magnet 1 changed the force needed to move Magnet 2.