A magnetic latch is used on a sliding panel. A magnet is fixed to the frame on the left. A steel plate is fixed to the panel on the right, with a small gap between the magnet and the plate.
The magnet exerts a horizontal force of 18 N to the left on the steel plate.
Describe the magnitude and direction of the force that the steel plate exerts on the magnet.
The panel is released. All other horizontal forces on the panel are negligible.
Explain why the two forces in the magnetic interaction do not keep the panel at rest, and predict the initial motion of the panel.