- #1
Ascendant78
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Homework Statement
Me and my physics II lab partner did a term project where we are looking to calculate the repulsive forces of two bar magnets on each other. We are lacking an equation that would let us calculate the force. All we did was have one magnet sit on a flat surface while we brought the other one closer to it in a parallel fashion until the magnetic force overcame the frictional force of the magnet. While we have all the pertinent data, we simply don't know what to do with that data to find the force at this point.
Homework Equations
We are unsure. We calculated the friction coefficient of the magnet on the surface it was repelled on top of, but we do not have a formula for the force between the two magnets.
The Attempt at a Solution
Here is all the information we have:
mass of magnet 1 (repelled) - 69g
mass of magnet 2 (repeller) - 68g
Distance at which the magnetic repulsion overcame the frictional force - 9mm
Friction coefficient (mu) of repelled magnet on top of aluminum surface - 0.277
Magnetic field at point of repulsion (repelled) - 0.439mT
Magnetic field at point of repulsion (repeller) - 0.439mT
They are both narrow, long bar magnets. I am thinking that their exact size will probably play a significant role here too, but I'm thinking I can guesstimate that or check tomorrow in class. However, if anyone has a relevant formula for magnetic forces that can work for us here, I'd greatly appreciate it.