Where do magnets get the energy to repel?

Question

If I separate two magnets whose opposite poles are facing, I am adding energy. If I let go of the magnets, then presumably the energy that I added is used to move the magnets together again. However, if I start with two separated magnets (with like poles facing), as I move them together, they repel each other. They must be using energy to counteract the force that I'm applying. Where does this energy come from?

Answer 1

There is no difference in the two cases:

two magnets will either repel each other, or attract each other, depending on how the poles are aligned.

In one case, it takes energy to push them together, and--in the other case--it takes energy to pull them apart.

This is loosely analogous to springs, which can be either tension or compression. Either one has a "rest state", defined as its configuration with no force applied. Energy is required to move either one out of its rest state.