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a compass works by detecting the earths magnetic field. a magnet also has a

magnetic field just not as big so the compass needle points at the magnet rather

than towards north.

Another Answer

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.

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Related Questions

How does a bar magnet interact with a compass?

A bar magnet interacts with a compass by aligning the compass needle along the magnetic field lines of the magnet. This causes the compass needle to point towards the North Pole of the magnet, allowing the compass to indicate the direction of the magnetic field.


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 causes the magnetic compass to react with a magnet?

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.


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!"


Where does a compass point when it is moved close to a magnet?

That depends on which pole of the magnet it is moved close to. If it is brought close to the "South" pole of the magnet, the "North" pointer of the compass will be attracted to the magnet. If it is brought close to the "North" pole of the magnet, the "North" pointer of the compass will be repelled and will point AWAY from the magnet, while the "South" end of the compass pointer will point to the magnet.


What is the magnet in a compass?

The compass needle.


Why does a compass needle spin toward the magnet when yu put it near a magnet?

The compass is a magnet too; and magnets attract each other. More specifically, the north pole of one magnet is attracted by the south pole of another magnet.The compass is a magnet too; and magnets attract each other. More specifically, the north pole of one magnet is attracted by the south pole of another magnet.The compass is a magnet too; and magnets attract each other. More specifically, the north pole of one magnet is attracted by the south pole of another magnet.The compass is a magnet too; and magnets attract each other. More specifically, the north pole of one magnet is attracted by the south pole of another magnet.


Is the magnet in a compass a permanent magnetic or an electromagnet?

PermanentThere is no source of current in a compass, therefore the magnet is a permanent magnet.


What happens when a compass is brought closer to a magnet?

When a compass is brought closer to a magnet, the compass needle will align itself with the magnetic field of the magnet. This alignment occurs because the magnetic field of the compass interacts with the magnetic field of the magnet, causing the needle to point towards the magnet.


How can one determine the polarity of a magnet?

To determine the polarity of a magnet, you can use a compass. The end of the magnet that attracts the north pole of the compass is the magnet's north pole, and the end that attracts the south pole of the compass is the magnet's south pole.


How can you fix a compass that is next to a magnet?

To fix a compass near a magnet, move the compass away from the magnet to ensure accurate readings. If that doesn't work, try demagnetizing the compass by rubbing a strong magnet in the opposite direction. Finally, calibrate the compass according to manufacturer instructions to reset its accuracy.