Dynamic Considerations of Collision Cart Motion Under the Influence of Magnetic Fields

This paper characterizes the dynamic behavior of ``magnetic carts'' when subjected to a variety of magnetic barriers and wells. Judicious placement of permanent magnets along the track (both on and at the sides) provides for a classical simulation of concepts familiar to all students of physics. Neodymium magnets of varying dipole moments are used to study the forces, energy and motion of a magnetic cart moving under these varying influences. Conditions leading to simple harmonic motion in a well are discussed in terms of the amplitude of motion and the restoring forces.