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Solution: Magnetic Force Between Two Balls

Explore how to maximize the minimum magnetic force between balls by applying sorting and binary search techniques. Learn to use a helper function to validate spacing and optimize placement. This lesson helps develop a strategic approach to solve search and optimization problems encountered in coding interviews, refining your ability to apply binary search beyond typical use cases.

Statement

In the universe Earth C-137, Rick has discovered a unique type of magnetic force between two balls when placed in his newly invented baskets. He has nn baskets, each located at specific positions given by the array position[i]. Morty has m balls and needs to distribute these balls across the baskets in such a way that the minimum magnetic force between any two balls is as large as possible.

The magnetic force between two balls placed at positions xx and yy is calculated as the absolute difference xy|x−y|.

Given an integer array position and the number of balls m, return the maximum possible value of the minimum magnetic force between any two balls after they have been placed in the baskets.

Constraints:

  • 22 \leq position.length 103\leq 10^3 ...