Three magnets are placed on a plastic stick as shown in the image. Explain how the magnets need to be rearranged so that they stick together and why rearranging them this way allows them to stick together.

Answer:

To make all three magnets stick together, the top magnet needs to be flipped over. Currently, the top and middle magnets have like poles (South poles) facing each other, which creates a repulsive force that keeps them apart. By flipping the top magnet, its North pole will face the South pole of the middle magnet. Since opposite poles attract, the magnetic force will pull the magnets together, causing them to stick.