Chapter 11, Problem 8TE

To determine

The amount of force exerted by paper clip on the magnet.

Answer to Problem 8TE

The amount of force exerted by paper clip on the magnet is same as the amount of force applied by magnet.

Explanation of Solution

As the paper clip is placed near a magnet, then a temporary magnetic moment is induced within the paper clip and the clip is attracted to the magnet by the interaction of two magnetic fields.

Suppose the magnet attracts the paper clip with a certain amount of force. It implies that the paper clip will also imply the same amount of force on the magnet, according to Newton's third law.

The force applied by the clip is not so obvious, since it is not enough to make the change in the magnet's position.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the amount of force exerted by paper clip on the magnet is same as the amount of force applied by magnet.