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Which property of a magnet is the reason why a magnet is used in a compass?
Wiki User
∙ 14y ago
Its magnetism and the fact that the magnetism is the biggest force acting on the needle on the XY plane. This force is bigger than the friction from the spindle and the force of inertia. (The force of gravity is bigger but this acts on the Z plane)
As the magnetism is the biggest force acting on the alignment of the needle it means it wants to align itself with the earths magnetic field. The result is a needle that points to magnetic north
Wiki User
∙ 14y ago
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Is a compass a magnet?
Compass is a device which is used to see directions previously. Compass consists of a Magnet freely suspended . A free Magnet always shows Geographical North and Geographical South. So Compass consists of a Magnet and a Aluminium pointer showing east and West direction.
How Freely Suspended magnet is used in compass for navigation?
A freely suspended magnet responds to the magnetic field of the planet Earth. The Earth's magnetic north pole is close to its geographic north pole, so a compass points (approximately) north.
What instrument is used for determining direction?
A compass. The North magnetic pole is in the direction of the N on the compass. Therefore, the North magnetic pole is in fact a magnetic field south pole since it *attracts* the north magnetic field pole of the compass magnet.
Magnets are used for a lot of every day life things such as?
Electric motors use electro magnets to create power from electrical energy. Many door latches on cabinets include a magnet in them to hold the door shut. A compass uses a magnet to point the way North.
Why would a compass needle move when placed near a circuit?
Any time current flows through a conductor an electromagnetic field is formed around the length of that conductor. The direction of current flow determines the polarity of this magnetic field.
How a compass can be used to trace the magnetic field of the magnet?
The pull of the magnet will over ride the earths magnetism. So the compass will react to the magnet as it passes through its field.
Which unique property of minerals is evident in a compass?
Magnetism is a unique property of minerals used in a compass.
Can a magnet be used for finding direction?
Yes. That is exactly what a magnetic compass does.a magnet, as in a fridge magnet cannot, but a magnetic compass can. a magnet compass points and directs itself the the north pole, where magnetic fields are located; this is why a magnetic compass can find directs as in NORTH SOUTH EAST OR WEST, it cannot say find it's way from say second street to third street,
Is a compass a magnet?
Compass is a device which is used to see directions previously. Compass consists of a Magnet freely suspended . A free Magnet always shows Geographical North and Geographical South. So Compass consists of a Magnet and a Aluminium pointer showing east and West direction.
What is a plotting compass?
A plotting compass is a small magnet which is suspended and is free to rotate. When it is near a magnet, the compass will always point in a particular direction (the north pole's direction) becasue of the force of the magnetic field.
How does the ancient Chinese compass work?
They used a special load stone with natural magnet inside.
Does the compass have to have a magnet to work?
Thepermanent and atemporary magnet.
How Freely Suspended magnet is used in compass for navigation?
A freely suspended magnet responds to the magnetic field of the planet Earth. The Earth's magnetic north pole is close to its geographic north pole, so a compass points (approximately) north.
What instrument is used for determining direction?
A compass. The North magnetic pole is in the direction of the N on the compass. Therefore, the North magnetic pole is in fact a magnetic field south pole since it *attracts* the north magnetic field pole of the compass magnet.
What is true about the compass?
There are several different types of compass:magnetic compass, uses a light weight bar magnet on a pivotgyroscopic compass, uses a gyroscope (either mechanical or LASER ring)drawing compass, used to assist in drawing circles for drafting or artetc.
Why a magnet is used to separate iron filings from saw dust?
because magnet has a property that can attract metals/metal particles
What can plotting compasses be used to detect?
A plotting compass is used to detect which direction the North Pole is located. You can stand in any position and it will always point north. +++ That's a navigation compass. A plotting compass will indeed point to the Earth's Magnetic North Pole (not the axis pole), if not influenced by any other magnet; but its purpose is in plotting the magnetic field around a magnet.
