0
In a regular magnetic compass, the needle is a magnet. One end is the south pole and the other end is the north pole. Magnets are affected by other magnets. If a magnet is placed near a magnetic compass, the north pole of the compass's needle is attracted by the south pole of the magnet, and the south pole of the compass's needle is attracted by the north pole of the magnet.
Wiki User
∙ 14y ago
Wiki User
∙ 12y agoWhen a magnet gets close to a compass, its magnetic field will be stronger than the field of the planet Earth at that location, and the compass will point to the magnet rather than pointing to the magnetic north pole of the Earth.
Wiki User
∙ 11y agoIt won't do any damage but compasses work with magnetic fields and the magnet (compass) points towards the north because of the magnetic field at the north pole. But if you put a magnet next to a compass the magnetic force of the compass with be stronger and the compass will point towards the magnet.
Wiki User
∙ 15y agoStrong magnetic fields DO affect nearby compasses. In fact, even very weak magnetic fields nearby will affect compasses.
The point being, the Earth's magnetic field is HUGE, covering the entire planet and well into space. A small magnet, no matter how powerful, has only localized effects.
Wiki User
∙ 6y agoThere are different types of compass, but the most common one is the magnetic compass - meaning that the needle that detects magnetic fields is, itself, a small magnet.
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
What might interfere with the compass's pointing north?
Rocks because some are magnetic.
When were magnets used the first?
Vikings and Ancient egyptians were known to use magnetic rocks 'Lodestone' as simple magnetic compass'.
What are the problems of using a magnetic compass at sea?
A magnetic compass can be influenced by surrounding metal. For instance, take a compass bearing when your pocket knife is in your breast pocket, too close to the compass, or there is an underground metal water pipe near by, may cause an error in your compass reading. Even magnetic (iron) rocks you are standing on, can cause a wrong reading. When taking a magnetic bearing, leave your metal framed rucksack to one side.
What can the orientation of a rocks magnetic field can tell you?
The orientation of a rocks magnetic field can tell you it's relative age.
What are rocks that exhibit magnetism that is opposite to the current magnetic field?
magnetic fields
What might interfere with the compass's pointing north?
Rocks because some are magnetic.
When were magnets used the first?
Vikings and Ancient egyptians were known to use magnetic rocks 'Lodestone' as simple magnetic compass'.
What are the problems of using a magnetic compass at sea?
A magnetic compass can be influenced by surrounding metal. For instance, take a compass bearing when your pocket knife is in your breast pocket, too close to the compass, or there is an underground metal water pipe near by, may cause an error in your compass reading. Even magnetic (iron) rocks you are standing on, can cause a wrong reading. When taking a magnetic bearing, leave your metal framed rucksack to one side.
Why is it believed that the Earth's magnetic field has reversed its polarity in the past?
By observing magnetic rocks in geological deposits.By observing magnetic rocks in geological deposits.By observing magnetic rocks in geological deposits.By observing magnetic rocks in geological deposits.
How does paleomagnetism affect humans?
Paleomagnetism refers to the magnetism found in rocks that was induced by the earth's magnetic field. A deeper understanding of the concepts behind paleomagnetism could positively impact the lives of humans.
How Rocks that have magnetic fields that point south?
rocks with magnetic fields that point south have
Is moon rock magnetic?
Moon rocks are very similar to earth rocks an they are not intrinsically magnetic.
Are there magnetic rocks?
yep
Why does the compass rose point north?
it doesn't, it points to Magnetic North which is somewhere in the north of Canada. A compass may point 20 degrees or more different from geographic north. The North pole of a magnet will point to magnetic north. The next question is why is the Earth magnetic, and why does it have a south pole magnetic near the North pole. I haven't seen a really good explanation. Something to do with the centre of the Earth having a layer of liquid iron that is rotating, and moving conductors generating a magnetic field. The Earth's magnetic pole has flipped over in the past and gone walkabout, as evidenced by magnetic records in rocks which solidified at different times.
Are rocks non magnetic?
MOST rocks are nonmagnetic. Rocks with a very high iron content will be magnetic. One type of rock, known as lodestone, IS a magnet.
What can the orientation of a rocks magnetic field can tell you?
The orientation of a rocks magnetic field can tell you it's relative age.
Are magnetic rocks known as lodestones?
Although Lodestone is a naturally occurring magnetic rock, not all magnetic rocks are known as lodestone, and it is only magnetized because of the magnetite mineral in it.
