How does magnetic pull affect the force of an impact

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the effects of magnetic pull on the force of impact when a magnetic ball rolls down a hill towards a stationary magnet. Participants explore various aspects of the scenario, including the definitions of magnetic properties and the mechanics of impact forces.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether the magnetic ball is a magnet or made of iron, suggesting that an iron ball could be accelerated by the magnet, potentially increasing impact force.
  • Another participant clarifies that magnets have north and south poles rather than positive and negative charges, which may limit their influence on other magnets at a distance.
  • There is a request for clarification on what constitutes a "magnetic ball," with suggestions that it could refer to a ferromagnetic material.
  • A participant notes that the experiment's definition is vague and emphasizes that impact forces depend on stopping distance, which can be influenced by how the stationary magnet is mounted.
  • One participant suggests considering the energy in the system just before impact as a potentially more relevant factor than the force itself.
  • Several participants express the need for clearer definitions and parameters to better assist with the inquiry.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying views on the definitions and implications of magnetic properties, as well as the mechanics of the proposed experiment. There is no consensus on the specifics of the magnetic ball or the impact force calculations.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights limitations in the clarity of the initial question, including ambiguous terminology and undefined parameters, which may affect the ability to provide precise answers.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in the physics of magnetism, impact forces, and experimental design may find this discussion relevant.

Rocky2401
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for example say I were to roll a magnetic ball down a hill and placed another magnet at the end of the hill, would the magnetic ball hit the magnet with more force than a non magnetic ball. This question is for my science fair, all people answering must be prepared to answer follow-up questions. Thanks
 
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Magnets have poles. It is difficult to answer without knowing how the poles are placed. Also is your magnetic ball a magnet or is just made of iron so it will be attracted by magnets?

The only case I can answer to is an iron ball rolling down a hill toward the magnet. Here the magnet could speed up the rolling ball (how much - I have no idea) so the impact force would be greater.
 
The ball is a positive magnet and the other is negative so there is is a magnetic pull between the two however, one is stationary and the other is rolling down the hill
 
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There is no such thing as a "positive" or "negative" magnet. Magnets have no net magnetic charge. Instead, as mathman hinted, magnets have north poles and south poles. This fact dramatically reduces the ability of a magnet to affect other magnets (or magnetic materials) at a distance.
 
Rocky2401 said:
for example say I were to roll a magnetic ball down a hill and placed another magnet at the end of the hill, would the magnetic ball hit the magnet with more force than a non magnetic ball. This question is for my science fair, all people answering must be prepared to answer follow-up questions. Thanks

What exactly is a magnetic ball? Do you mean a ball of ferromagnetic material?
 
Yes, sorry I had'nt completely studied the subject, I just have to get an interview before i can do the experiment. Also, I would appreciate it if anyone can recommend any
articles or books that would help inform me on the subject
 
The experiment isn't very well defined. Impact forces typically depend on the stopping distance. A short stopping distance implies a high deceleration which in turn means high forces. Determining the stopping distance for two fairly rigid objects isn't easy. The force might depend more on how the stationary magnet is mounted.

It might be better to look at the energy in the system just before the impact?
 
Rocky2401 said:
all people answering must be prepared to answer follow-up questions

Did you perhaps instead mean "thank you in advance for your help and I would be grateful if you could answer some follow-up questions"?

It would help if you better defined the problem - is a non-magnetic ball an unmagnetized ball? Or a ball made out of a non-magnetic material? What do you mean by positive and negative here? As pointed out, this is not a property of magnets. What you are writing is so unclear, it is hard to point you in the right direction.
 
You're right that is what I meant.

I'm very sorry if my question is unclear, this is my first time looking for advice on a forum so I'm not really used doing this. I'll remake my project, thank you for your help
 
  • #10
Rocky2401 said:
You're right that is what I meant.

I'm very sorry if my question is unclear, this is my first time looking for advice on a forum so I'm not really used doing this. I'll remake my project, thank you for your help
That's quite alright. Just get clarity on what sort of ball you're using for this experiment. I'm sure people here would be glad to help.
 

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