Chemical Forums

Specialty Chemistry Forums => Other Sciences Question Forum => Topic started by: babyliseca on May 14, 2004, 11:15:36 AM

Title: 2 magnets...potential or kinetic?
Post by: babyliseca on May 14, 2004, 11:15:36 AM

hey guys, I'm having an argument with my friend and I need some input.  Here's the question:  if you have 2 magnets and you're holding them apart, is that kinetic or potential energy.  

Title: Re:Please help
Post by: jdurg on May 14, 2004, 12:12:21 PM

Kinetic Energy is the energy associated with motion.  An object that is completely still in all aspects does not have Kinetic Energy.  (Well, Quantum Physics can argue that in all shapes and forms).  Potential Energy is the energy which can be generated based upon the position of something, or a possible reaction.  So if you're holding two magnets apart, the energy involved is potential energy since if you let them go, their attraction for each other will put them in motion, thus releasing that potential energy in the form of kinetic energy.  Now it's been a while since I've taken a physics course, so if other members here would like to correct me go right ahead.   ;D

Title: Re:2 magnets...potential or kinetic?
Post by: babyliseca on May 14, 2004, 12:42:28 PM

Thanx jdurg!  So your answer is Potential?  Anyone else care to take a stab at it?   ;D

Title: Re:2 magnets...potential or kinetic?
Post by: Mitch on May 14, 2004, 02:56:10 PM

My vote is with Jdurg.

Title: Re:2 magnets...potential or kinetic?
Post by: jkrumh1 on May 14, 2004, 05:51:21 PM

potential.
once you let them go, the moving will be kenetic energy
:book: