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The earth's magnetic field acts upon the magnetic material of the compass needle, causing it to align to the field. Thus, the compass appears to point North, which is "magnetic north". Magnetic north and "true north" are about 300 miles apart.

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Jose Luettgen

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2y ago

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How does earth's magnetic field affect the compass?

Earth's magnetic field is what allows a compass to align itself with the magnetic poles, causing the needle to point north. The magnetic field provides a reference point for navigation, helping people determine their direction relative to the Earth's magnetic field. Any changes or disturbances in the magnetic field can affect the accuracy of a compass reading.


How does earth magnetic field affect a compass?

The earth's magnetic field acts upon the magnetic material of the compass needle, causing it to align to the field. Thus, the compass appears to point North, which is "magnetic north". Magnetic north and "true north" are about 300 miles apart.


What happens to the compass when an aluminum bar is close?

The magnetic field of the compass may be slightly influenced by the presence of the aluminum bar, but aluminum itself is not magnetic so it won't affect the compass significantly. You would generally need a stronger magnetic field to noticeably affect the compass's needle.


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.


Can an electric current be used to affect a compass needle?

Yes, an electric current can affect a compass needle because it creates a magnetic field. When the electric current flows through a wire, it generates a magnetic field around the wire, which can deflect the compass needle and change its direction.


Can a electric current affect a compass?

Yes. An electric current is surrounded by a magnetic field, and this will affect a compass. Please note that this is more noticeable in the case of DC - for AC, the current changes all the time, it changes very quickly, and the AVERAGE value of the magnetic field is zero.


What happens when a compass is brought into a magnetic field?

When a compass is brought into a magnetic field, the needle of the compass will align itself with the magnetic field lines. This is because the needle is a magnet itself and is influenced by the magnetic field of the Earth or any external magnetic field it is brought into.


Why would a magnetic compass not work in space?

A magnetic compass relies on Earth's magnetic field to indicate direction, which is absent in the vastness of space. In space, there are no magnetic field lines to align the compass needle, rendering it ineffective. Additionally, the microgravity environment can affect the compass's operation, further complicating its use beyond Earth's atmosphere.


How does an inducted magnetic field influence the direction of a compass needle?

The conducting wire wrapped around the compass is energized creating a magnetic field that counteracts the effects of the Earth's magnetic field and changes the direction of the compass needle.


What effect will the north pole of a magnet have on a compass when the compass is within the range of the magnet's magnetic field?

It will not have any affect at all HaYLEy


Why does a compass needle change direction when it is near a magnetic field?

Because of the magnetic force. The compass needle is also magnetic.Because of the magnetic force. The compass needle is also magnetic.Because of the magnetic force. The compass needle is also magnetic.Because of the magnetic force. The compass needle is also magnetic.


How does a compass needle respond when a compass is placed in a magnetic field?

If a magnetic compass needle is placed in a magnetic Field , its needle deflects and points in the north and south directions