Question

Lucia is playing with magnetic toy vehicles. She has two identical toy vehicles (purple and pink) that start on opposite sides of a center magnet that cannot move. She moves both vehicles one space closer to the center magnet.
How did the potential energy of the two vehicles change? Did the potential energy of one vehicle change more than the other? Why do you think so?

Answer 1

Answer:

The potential energy of the two vehicles increased because they were moved against the magnatic forces. The potential energy of the pink car increased more then the potential energy of the purple car because the pink car was closer to the center magnet.

Explanation: I had this same exact question on a quiz and this was my response and I got a 100%

Answer 2

Answer:

The potential energy of both toy vehicles (purple and pink) decreased. Since the pink toy was moved closer to the magnet, it will have less potential energy because of the short distance it will take to travel to the magnet. Although the purple toy is now closer to the magnet, it is still pretty far and will have a somewhat big potential energy when traveling to the magnet.

Explanation:

Hey, I'm in middle school and I had the same question for a science test, I'm not sure if I am correct but this is what I have.