Magnetic Potential Energy

Magnetic potential energy

How does distance affect the magnetic potential energy of an object?

Essential Question: How does changing the direction/orientation of a magnet, change the amount of potential energy in the system?

As the distance decreases between magnetic objects, the magnetic potential energy increases. The magnetic fields of objects need to come into contact with one another in order to have an effect on each.

PHENOMENON

What do you notice happening with the magnets?

Are the magnets touching each other at first?

What Happens when a Magnet Breaks?

Broken magnet Demo.mov

Labs

MEASURING THE DISTANCE OF MAGNET'S EFFECT

Why is potential energy the force that moved the nail?
How can this data be used to develop a magnetic train?

Measuring the Distance of a Magnet's Effect.mov

MAGNETIC CANNON

Was there more acceleration from the cannon than you expected?

Magnet Cannon.mov

2. Where did the “extra energy” come from?

3. How would distance affect the “extra” (potential) energy of the magnet.

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