Question

two bar magnets are held close together. when they are released, they move toward one another. which best describes the original placement of the magnets? the magnets are placed end to end with the north pole of each pointing toward the other. the magnets are placed end to end with the south pole of each pointing toward the other. the magnets are placed side by side with the like poles of each magnet near the other. the magnets are placed side by side with the opposite poles of each magnet near the other.

Explanation:

To solve this, we recall the magnetic force rule: opposite poles (north - south or south - north) attract, and like poles (north - north or south - south) repel. The magnets move toward each other, so there must be an attractive force, meaning opposite poles are near each other.

• Option 1: North - north (like poles) repel, so they wouldn't move toward each other.
• Option 2: South - south (like poles) repel, so they wouldn't move toward each other.
• Option 3: Like poles near each other (repel), so they wouldn't move toward each other.
• Option 4: Opposite poles near each other (attract), so they move toward each other.

Answer:

The magnets are placed side by side with the opposite poles of each magnet near the other.