So, why do magnets feel easier to attract than to pull away?

[flyingpig]

Homework Statement

I know this is going to sound like voodoo or something. But why do magnets feel easier to attract than to pull away?

Let me elaborate. Suppose a south pole and a north pole is near each other, they attract. Suppose a north pole and a north pole together, they repel.

Why is it easier to remove a south pole from a north pole than to push a north pole to a north pole

The Attempt at a Solution

I drew a few field lines. I tried to do it on paint, but it was worst than my kindergarten paintings.

I honestly could not figure out why.

 

[I like Serena]

At a given distance, the force is the same.

However, when a north and a south pole come a little closer together, the attracting force increases.
But when 2 north poles move a little farther apart, the repelling force decreases.

Does that answer your question?

 

[flyingpig]

Assuming monopoles exist...?

 

[Pengwuino]

Assuming monopoles exist...?

No. The forces are still inversely proportional and this is a general property of any force that is inversely proportional regardless of it being monopole-like, dipole, quadrupole, etc.

 

[rwisz]

But after doing some research, I have come to understand that the reason why magnets feel easier to attract than to pull away is due to the strength of their magnetic fields.

When two magnets are brought close together, their magnetic fields interact and align with each other. This alignment creates a stronger magnetic field between the two magnets, making it easier for them to attract each other. This is similar to how two opposite poles of a magnet attract each other with a stronger force compared to two like poles repelling each other.

On the other hand, when trying to pull two magnets apart, the magnetic fields are working against each other, making it more difficult to overcome the attractive force between the two magnets. This is why it may feel like it requires more effort to pull two magnets apart compared to bringing them together.

Additionally, the distance between the two magnets also plays a role. The closer the magnets are, the stronger the attractive force between them, making it easier to bring them together. But when trying to pull them apart, the distance between them increases, resulting in a weaker attractive force and making it more difficult to pull them apart.

In summary, the ease of attracting and pulling apart magnets is determined by the strength of their magnetic fields and the distance between them.