November 22, 2024, 12:06:30 AM
Forum Rules: Read This Before Posting


« previous next »
Pages: [1]   Go Down

Topic: 2 magnets...potential or kinetic?  (Read 13564 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

babyliseca

  • Guest
2 magnets...potential or kinetic?
« 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.  
« Last Edit: May 14, 2004, 12:31:50 PM by babyliseca »
Logged

Offline jdurg

  • Banninator
  • Retired Staff
  • Sr. Member
  • *
  • Posts: 1366
  • Mole Snacks: +106/-23
  • Gender: Male
  • I am NOT a freak.
Re:Please help
« Reply #1 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
Logged
"A real fart is beefy, has a density greater than or equal to the air surrounding it, consists

babyliseca

  • Guest
Re:2 magnets...potential or kinetic?
« Reply #2 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
Logged

Offline Mitch

  • General Chemist
  • Administrator
  • Sr. Member
  • *
  • Posts: 5298
  • Mole Snacks: +376/-3
  • Gender: Male
  • "I bring you peace." -Mr. Burns
    • Chemistry Blog
Re:2 magnets...potential or kinetic?
« Reply #3 on: May 14, 2004, 02:56:10 PM »
My vote is with Jdurg.
Logged
Most Common Suggestions I Make on the Forums.
1. Start by writing a balanced chemical equation.
2. Don't confuse thermodynamic stability with chemical reactivity.
3. Forum Supports LaTex

jkrumh1

  • Guest
Re:2 magnets...potential or kinetic?
« Reply #4 on: May 14, 2004, 05:51:21 PM »
potential.
once you let them go, the moving will be kenetic energy
:book:
Logged
Pages: [1]   Go Up
« previous next »
Sponsored Links