A student places two identical magnets next to each other. Magnet #2 experiences a 1 N force as shown. The student places a third identical magnet next to magnet #2 as shown. What net force does magnet #2 experience?
A. 0 N
B. 1 N
C. 2 N
D. 3 N
A student places two identical magnets next to each other. Magnet #2 experiences a 1 N force as shown. The student places a third identical magnet next to magnet #2 as shown. What net force does magnet #2 experience?
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To determine the net force that magnet #2 experiences when a third identical magnet is placed next to it, we need to consider how magnets interact with each other.
If magnet #1 and magnet #2 are experiencing a force of 1 N towards each other, this means they are attracted to each other. When the third identical magnet is placed next to magnet #2, it will exert a force of 1 N toward itself as well.
Thus, the forces on magnet #2 from magnet #1 and magnet #3 will both be attractive, adding together:
1 N (from magnet #1) + 1 N (from magnet #3) = 2 N.
So, the correct answer is C. 2 N.
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