Two identical bar magnets A and B are held at rest as shown and released to fall simultaneously. Magnet A as it falls passes through the center of a copper ring, magnet B does not.

#9 (4 points possible)
Which of the following statements is true?

- unanswered Magnet A hits the ground before magnet B. Magnet B hits the ground before magnet A. The difference in fall times depends on the strength of the magnets. This cannot be determined without knowing the directions the magnets point. Both magnets hit the ground at the same time.
Final Ch

Both magnets hit the ground at the same time.

To determine the correct statement, we need to consider the principles of magnetism and the effect of the copper ring on the falling magnets.

When a magnet falls through a conducting material like copper, it induces an opposing current in the material, creating a magnetic field that opposes the motion of the falling magnet. This opposing magnetic field creates resistance, also known as electromagnetic damping, which can slow down the falling magnet.

In the given scenario, magnet A passes through the center of a copper ring, while magnet B does not encounter any conducting material. As a result, magnet A will experience electromagnetic damping due to the interaction with the copper ring, while magnet B will not.

Based on this information, we can conclude that magnet A will experience more resistance due to electromagnetic damping than magnet B. Consequently, magnet A will take longer to fall to the ground compared to magnet B.

Therefore, the correct statement is:

- Magnet B hits the ground before magnet A.

magnet A. The difference in fall times depends on the strength of the magnets.