0
The compass needle is a small bar magnet balanced on a pin. It swivels freely on this balance point. This is how it can align with the magnetic field of the Earth to show what direction magnetic north is. When you introduce another magnetic field, like from a magnet in close proximity, the needle will align with these local fields since their field strength is stronger than Earth's magnetic field - locally.
Still curious? Ask our experts.
Chat with our AI personalities
Beau
Jordan
Lao
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
Why does a compass spin when it is placed next to a magnet?
Because the primary purpose of a compass is to react to the magnetic field of the earth, it get affect by a nearby compass when the compass' magnetic field is stronger than that of the earth. As the magnet is moved away, the strength of its field diminishes and the compass goes back to 'normal' - pointing north.
How a compass can be used to trace the magnetic field of the magnet?
A compass can be used to trace the magnetic field of a magnet by placing the compass near the magnet. The needle of the compass will align with the magnetic field lines, allowing you to visualize the direction of the field. By moving the compass around the magnet, you can map out the shape and direction of the magnetic field.
What happens when a compass is near a magnet?
Oh, dude, when a compass gets close to a magnet, it's like a magnetic showdown! The needle in the compass aligns with the magnetic field of the magnet, pointing towards the magnetic north pole. It's like the compass is saying, "I'm with this magnet now, sorry true north!"
Why compass react when place near a magnet?
A compass needle aligns with the Earth's magnetic field due to its own magnetic properties. When placed near a magnet, the strong magnetic field coming from the magnet can influence the compass needle, causing it to orient itself towards the magnet instead of pointing to the north. This happens because opposite magnetic poles attract each other.
How could you change the direction in which a compass needle points using a cell and a piece of wire?
You can change the direction of a compass needle by creating a magnetic field with a current-carrying wire. By passing a current through the wire and holding it near the compass needle, you can influence the direction in which the needle points. The strength and orientation of the magnetic field generated by the wire can cause the compass needle to deflect from its original direction.
