>[!summary] Magnetic potential energy refers to the amount of energy a magnet has in references to where it naturally wants to be > **Key equation:** > For situations where there is a magnetic field and magnetic moment $U = -\mu \cdot\vec{B} \cdot cos{(\theta)}$ # What is Magnetic Potential Energy Magnetic potential energy refers to the amount of energy a magnet will have in reference to where the magnet is. A magnet has more potential energy when its in an area or rotation where it naturally doesn't want to be. Similar idea to [[Gravitational Potential energy]] the more misaligned the magnet is with the field, the **more potential energy it has** it wants to align with the field $\begin{array}{c} U = -\mu \cdot \vec{B} \\ U = I\cdot A \cdot \vec{B} \\ \text{Because its a dot poduct we could also write:} \\ U = -\mu \cdot\vec{B} \cdot cos{(\theta)} \end{array}$ To rotate the magnet must experience a torque ([[Magnetic Torque]]) ![[Pasted image 20250602183427.png]] >[!note] Explanation The less algined with the field the more potential energy is has, **Red has the most potential energy** and **green has the least**