Question

Two bar magnets are placed close to each other with their opposite poles facing each other. In absence of other forces, the magnets are pulled towards each other and their kinetic energy increases. Does it contradict our earlier knowledge that magnetic forces cannot do any work and hence cannot increase kinetic energy of a system?

Answer 1

Yes, it contradicts our earlier knowledge that magnetic forces cannot do any work and hence cannot increase the kinetic energy of the system. When opposite poles are facing each other, an attractive force acts between them so the magnets are pulled towards each other. As the two magnets come close to each other so the force between them increases and hence, the kinetic energy also increases.