Lin sets identical magnetic carts on two tracks. At the end of each track is a blue magnet that cannot move. Lin can move the carts one space to the left or one space to the right. Which movement will increase the potential energy in the system the most?
a) Moving the cart on Track 2 one space to the right (→).
b) Moving the cart on Track 2 one space to the left (←).
c) Moving the cart on Track 1 one space to the right (→).
d) All these movements will result in the same change in potential energy because they each move a magnetic cart the same distance.
Lin sets identical magnetic carts on two tracks. At the end of each track is a blue magnet that cannot move. Lin can move the carts one space to the left or one space to the right. Which movement will increase the potential energy in the system the most?
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The correct answer is d) All these movements will result in the same change in potential energy because they each move a magnetic cart the same distance.
Explanation: Potential energy in this system is influenced by the position of the magnetic carts relative to the fixed blue magnets. Since all movements described (left or right, on either track) move the carts one space and impact their distance from the magnets in the same way, they result in equal changes in potential energy. Hence, the potential energy changes are the same for all movements.