I understand the basics of magnetism; charge, fields, etc, but I don’t understand how a magnetic field can apply force seemingly forever.
For example, if I bring a magnet close to another magnet, that other magnet will eventually be drawn to the magnet in my hand, causing it to move. That kinetic energy “is caused by the magnetic attraction” but how?
If I keep my hand between two magnets, they will squeeze against my hand for seemingly forever. If I were to squeeze my own hand, I’ll get tired eventually from the exertion, but magnets don’t “get tired.” Are magnets somehow infinite energy machines? I’d assume they aren’t, but where is this energy coming from and why does it seem endless?
Edit: yes I understand the difference between “force” and “energy,” defining those terms doesn’t actually answer my question!
In: Physics
There is magnetic “potential energy” in the magnets when they are far apart. You bringing them closer together allows them to apply more force to each other, eventually overcoming friction and making the magnet move.
The force between the magnets is constant, if they are well made, and it will never get “tired”. When you pull the magnets apart, you use your muscles to put potential energy back into the system, this allows them to convert it back into kinetic energy in the next experiment.
Force isn’t really “energy”. Force times distance is energy, but the magnets can’t move together for an infinite distance because they will touch after a pretty small distance.
Latest Answers