Ramon puts two magnetic toy trains very close to each other on a track. What will happen next, and why? \( \begin{array}{ll}\text { a) The trains will move closer to each other because the } & \text { b) The trains will move away from each other because } \\ \text { magnetic force will pull the trains together. } & \text { the magnets are not touching. } \\ \text { c) The trains will move away from each other because } & \text { d) The trains will not move because the magnets are ne } \\ \text { the magnetic force will push the trains apart. } & \text { touching. }\end{array} \)

When Ramon places two magnetic toy trains very close to each other on a track, the outcome depends on how the magnets on the trains are oriented (i.e., which poles—north or south—are facing each other). However, based on the provided options, the most appropriate choice is: **a) The trains will move closer to each other because the magnetic force will pull the trains together.** ### **Explanation:** - **Magnetic Forces Operate at a Distance:** Magnetic attraction or repulsion occurs even when magnets are not in direct contact. This means that options **b** and **d**, which suggest that the lack of contact affects the movement, are **incorrect**. - **Orientation of Magnetic Poles:** - **Attraction:** If opposite poles (north and south) of the magnets are facing each other, the trains will attract and move closer. - **Repulsion:** If like poles (north-north or south-south) are facing each other, the trains will repel and move apart. - **Assumption Based on Common Toy Design:** Typically, magnetic toys like trains are designed so that opposite poles face each other to allow them to connect and move smoothly along the track. This design facilitates attraction rather than repulsion. Therefore, **option a** is the most likely outcome, assuming the magnets are oriented to attract each other.