Question

A teacher places two bar magnets on a table. The alignment of the magnets is shown below.

Which of the following best describes the interaction between the magnets as the north poles are brought closer together?
A.
The magnetic potential energy between them increases.
B.
The mass and the magnetic strength of the magnet increases.
C.
The magnetic potential energy between them decreases.

Answer 1

Answer: the magnetic potential energy between them increases.

Step-by-step explanation:

When two like poles are facing each other, they repel. Pushing them toward each other requires energy. This means that their potential energy increases as they are pushed together. Therefore, as the teacher pushes the magnets together, the magnetic potential energy between them increases.