An engineer is investigating potential energy with two identical magnetic roller coaster cars on different sides of a center magnet that cannot move. To test her ideas, the engineer will move one car one space. Which movement will result in the largest increase in potential energy?

The correct answer is c Moving Car 2 one space toward the center magnet.

Explanation: Potential energy in the context of magnets depends on the position of the objects relative to the magnetic field. When Car 2 moves toward the center magnet, it is moving into a stronger magnetic field, which increases its potential energy due to the magnetic attraction. In contrast, moving Car 1 toward the center does not affect its energy increase as substantially, and moving either car away from the magnet would decrease their potential energy. Thus, moving Car 2 toward the magnet yields the largest increase in potential energy.