Unfortunately, discussions of the fusion process, including the kinetics of overcoming the Coulomb barrier, are inherently abstract and theoretical to the fledgling student of physics. However, a recently introduced magnetic "Coulomb" barrier model provides a visual and tactile representation of the fusion potential curve, including the counterintuitive combination of far-range repulsion and close-range attraction (). The model contains a pair of opposing circular magnet arrays, each array comprising a series of double north-oriented magnets alternating in regular sequence with single south-oriented magnets. This configuration generates complex magnetic fields between the arrays, with the result that the net force between them (attractive or repulsive) depends on the degree of separation. At far range (beyond a few centimeters), the double-N magnets on one array repel the double-N magnets on the other. At close range (inside the potential barrier), the double-N magnets on one array align with the single-S magnets on the opposite array resulting in a strong attraction. The close-range dynamic simulates the behavior of the strong nuclear force within the Coulomb barrier, and the plot of magnetic force versus distance reproduces the familiar fusion potential curve, as shown in Figure . Given Maxwell's unification of electricity and magnetism within the electromagnetic fundamental force, the question arises as to whether alternating and unequal electric fields might also demonstrate a potential barrier. Opposite poles attract and like poles repel in both electric and magnetic fields, and both fields diminish with the inverse square of the distance. An electrostatic model of the magnetic "Coulomb" barrier apparatus should therefore generate a similar potential barrier force/distance relationship.