Two magnetic poles that repel one another are held three inches apart. what happens when the poles are moved closer together, to a distance of one inch apart?

The force of repulsion increases.

Explanation:

The same poles repel each other and the opposite poles attract each other.

Force of repulsion: The force by which the bodies repel each other.

In the same poles case, there is a force of repulsion. In the opposite poles case, there is a force of attraction.

In the given problem, two magnetic poles that repel one another are held three inches apart.

The magnetic force follows inverse square law with distance. The force of repulsion is inversely proportional to the square to the distance between the same poles of the two magnets.

When the poles are moved closer together, to a distance of one inch apart then the force of repulsion increases.

pe = weightxheight = 2000x1000=2,000,000joules