Two strong magnets on opposite sides of a small table are shown. The long-range attractive force between the magnets keeps the lower magnet in place. Suppose the weight of the table is 23.4 N, the weight of each magnet is 2.67 N, and the magnetic force on the lower magnet is 5.71 times its weight. Find the magnitude of the force of the lower magnet on the upper magnet.
To find the magnitude of the force of the lower magnet on the upper magnet, we need to use the information given and apply Newton's third law of motion, which states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.
Let's break down the problem step-by-step:
1. First, let's calculate the weight of the table. We are given that the weight of the table is 23.4 N.
2. Next, we find the weight of each magnet, which is given as 2.67 N.
3. We know that the magnetic force on the lower magnet is 5.71 times its weight. So, we can find the magnitude of the magnetic force on the lower magnet by multiplying its weight by 5.71.
Magnetic force on the lower magnet = (weight of lower magnet) x 5.71
4. Now, since the magnets exert equal and opposite forces on each other, the magnitude of the force of the lower magnet on the upper magnet will be the same as the magnitude of the magnetic force on the lower magnet.
Therefore, the magnitude of the force of the lower magnet on the upper magnet is equal to the magnetic force on the lower magnet, which we calculated in step 3.