Table of Contents
How does a compass move in a magnetic field?
Notice that when the magnet is absent, the compass needle points north, but when the magnet is present, the needle points toward the magnet. This is because the compass needle is magnetized and mounted in a way that allows it to move in response to magnetic fields.
How does a horseshoe magnet affect a compass?
When the horseshoe magnet is present, the north end of the needle (colored red) is attracted to its magnetic field and aligns itself so that it is pointing toward the object. The closer the magnet is to the compass, the more powerful the effect.
When was the invention of the magnetic compass?
The invention of the magnetic compass, thought to have been independently developed in China and Europe during the 11th or 12th century, made navigation both by sea and land safer and much more accurate.
Why does the compass needle point to the north?
You can make it reappear by clicking the Show Magnet button. Notice that when the magnet is absent, the compass needle points north, but when the magnet is present, the needle points toward the magnet. This is because the compass needle is magnetized and mounted in a way that allows it to move in response to magnetic fields.
How does a magnetic compass needle point north?
But the magnet is the opposite way around to how you might think, with its south pole up near Earth’s actual (geographic) north pole and vice-versa. A compass needle points north because the north pole of the magnet inside it is attracted to the south pole of Earth’s built-in magnet. Confusing, eh?
What happens to magnetic field as distance increases?
Magnetic force decreases as the distance from the magnet increases. Magnetic force can travel through non-magnetic materials such as air and water. Compass needles point north and south in response to the Earth’s magnetic field. You can also use them to detect magnetic fields of other objects.
The electric field at a particular point is in the direction of the force a positive charge would experience if it were placed at that point. The magnetic field at a point is in the direction of the force a north pole of a magnet would experience if it were placed there.