The difference between calculating energy from 1 vs. 2 magnets?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the differences in energy calculations and field strength when interacting with one versus two magnets. Participants explore the implications of magnetic interactions, particularly in terms of attraction and opposition, and how these might affect the forces acting on moving magnets.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether a moving magnet experiences double its own field strength when attracted to another identical magnet, or if it cannot utilize the additional field strength.
  • Another participant expresses uncertainty about the behavior of magnets compared to combustion scenarios, suggesting that the material properties of magnets might limit their potential energy.
  • It is proposed that while the field between two magnets may double, it is unclear if the force acting on the moving magnet also doubles, and whether this applies to both attraction and opposition scenarios.
  • One participant suggests that in attraction, the force on the moving magnet increases by 10-30% at far distances, and 70-90% as they get closer, while in opposition, the force may be weaker at larger distances but stronger when magnets are near each other.
  • Factors such as alignment and shape of the magnets are noted as influencing the values of the forces involved.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on how the forces and field strengths interact when two magnets are involved, indicating that multiple competing perspectives remain without a clear consensus.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge the complexity of magnetic interactions and the potential influence of various factors, such as material properties and magnet alignment, which may not be fully resolved in their discussion.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in magnetism, physics of forces, and energy interactions in magnetic fields may find this discussion relevant.

pete94857
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TL;DR
For example if I know the total field strength of 1 magnet and I have another magnet exactly the same. When they interact I.e they become attracted to each other and I allow one to move towards the other, the one that is moving does it have double it's own feild strength acting on it ?
For example if I know the total field strength of 1 magnet and I have another magnet exactly the same. When they interact I.e they become attracted to each other and I allow one to move towards the other, the one that is moving does it have double it's own feild strength acting on it ? Or is it not able to use the extra feild strength provided by the other magnet
 
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What do you think the answer is? Also, do you think that the two have differing amounts of field strength acting on them?
 
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phinds said:
What do you think the answer is? Also, do you think that the two have differing amounts of field strength acting on them?
To be honest I'm not sure.

I know that if it were a combustion scenario and I double the fuel and air the energy would also double.

But with magnets I'm not sure, they're strange things. I'm thinking maybe the material of a magnetic only has so much potential and if you think of it like the question then maybe it will not double... but on the other hand if you stick them together the surrounding field seems to double. Hence I don't know.

I do know the feild between the magnets will double but will the force acting on the moving magnet also double ? And would it be the same for both attraction and opposition ?
 
Seems like in attraction it does increase the force on the moving magnet by a small 10 - 30 percentage in far field but as they get closer the percentage increases 70 - 90.

In opposition it could actually show a weaker force at larger distances but near to each other it will be more than just the force of one field.

Plus many fact such as alignment , shape of magnet etc can effect the values
 

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