A 5 kg magnet exerts a constant force of 3 N on a 0.25 kg magnet. What force will the smaller magnet exert on the larger magnet?

To solve this problem, we can use Newton's third law of motion, which states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. In this case, the force exerted by the larger magnet on the smaller magnet is equal in magnitude but opposite in direction to the force exerted by the smaller magnet on the larger magnet.

Given:
Mass of the larger magnet, m1 = 5 kg
Mass of the smaller magnet, m2 = 0.25 kg
Force exerted by the larger magnet on the smaller magnet, F1 = 3 N

Now, we can find the force exerted by the smaller magnet on the larger magnet.

1. Calculate the acceleration of the larger magnet using Newton's second law of motion:

F1 = m1 * a
3 N = 5 kg * a
a = 3 N / 5 kg = 0.6 m/s²

2. Use this acceleration to calculate the force exerted by the smaller magnet on the larger magnet:

F2 = m2 * a
F2 = 0.25 kg * 0.6 m/s²

Calculating, we find:
F2 = 0.15 N

Therefore, the smaller magnet exerts a force of 0.15 N on the larger magnet.