If we put two magnets repelling each other on a scale, where each of the magnet weights 5kg and a weight of mass 10kg is placed on the magnet which is not facing the scale. Imagine that the setup is stable. What will be the reading on the scale? (Irrelevant answers will be reported)
Answers
Explanation:
In practical terms the weight remains the same. You could not see any increase in the scale reading. But in fact the energy of the system will increase as you force the magnets together against the repulsion. Presumably friction against the scale pan is enough to hold them in position, or you tied them together somehow.
The energy increase is per the Einstein equation E = mc squared. The increase in mass in kilograms is equal to the energy stored by forcing the repelling magnets together divided by the speed of light squared. If you did one joule of work forcing the magnets together, then the mass increase would be 1/(300,000,000squared) or 1/(90,000,000,000,000,000) kilogram, or 1.11 times 10 to the minus 17th, or 0.0000000000000000111 kilogram, too small to measure.