Magnetic force comparisonTwo magnets of different size are tied on two sides of a wall with non-elastic rope on a horizontal surface and the opposite poles face each other. Why is the tension on both of the ropes the same? Shouldn't the tension be greater on the smaller magnet?

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Magnetic force comparisonTwo magnets of different size are tied on two sides of a wall with non-elastic rope on a horizontal surface and the opposite poles face each other. Why is the tension on both of the ropes the same? Shouldn&#039;t the tension be greater on the smaller magnet?

Frida King · Accepted Answer

Let the tensions on the two ropes be       T    1   and       T    2  , and let the magnetic forces on the two magnets have magnitude       F    1   and       F    2  . Because the first and second magnet experience no net force,      T    1    =      F    1    ,        T    2    =      F    2    .But by Newton&#039;s third law,      F    1    =      F    2  because the force of the first magnet on the second equals the force of the second magnet on the first; the two form an action reaction pair. So putting these equations together,      T    1    =      T    2    .The tensions on the ropes have to be equal.

Magnetic force comparison Two magnets of different size are tied on two sides of a wall with non-elastic rope on a horizontal surface and the opposite poles face each other. Why is the tension on both of the ropes the same? Shouldn't the tension be greater on the smaller magnet?

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