0
Why does a compass have lightweight magnet and frictionless bearing?
Wiki User
∙ 12y ago
The pointer/magnet provides the opposite attractive force to align itself along the earth's magnetic field. The pointer/magnet must be lightweight so that it responds rapidly to turning, and so that it reduces friction from its weight as it rests on the supporting pin. The so-called "frictionless" bearing (the supporting pin) allows the compass pointer to spin freely in order to achieve said alignment with the earth's magnetic field. Low friction is necessary to allow the weak magnetic force on the pointer to overcome the friction between the pointer/magnet and the supporting pin.
Wiki User
∙ 12y ago
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
All compasses point where?
A compass is a simple device which consists of a small, lightweight magnet which is balanced on a nearly frictionless pivot point. A compass will always point towards the North Pole because of the Earthâ??s magnetic field because the magnet inside the compass is drawn to that magnetic field.
Is compass attracted to magnet?
A compass is a magnet. It reacts like a magnet.
What is the magnet in a compass?
The compass needle.
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 moveable bar in a compass called?
A compass magnet or a compass needle.
How does a navigator work?
A compass contains a needle which shows the holder north and south when the needle turns. A compass contains a lightweight magnet and fricitionless bearing to connect with the earths magnetic field otherwise the needle cannot be turned.
All compasses point where?
A compass is a simple device which consists of a small, lightweight magnet which is balanced on a nearly frictionless pivot point. A compass will always point towards the North Pole because of the Earthâ??s magnetic field because the magnet inside the compass is drawn to that magnetic field.
Is compass attracted to magnet?
A compass is a magnet. It reacts like a magnet.
What is the function of fore and aft magnet in a magnetic compass?
The fore and Aft magnets reduce the effect of the ships steel on the compass, so you get a more accurate bearing.
What is the magnet in a compass?
The compass needle.
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.
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 moveable bar in a compass called?
A compass magnet or a compass needle.
How magnet in compass work?
The magnet in a compass is free to move, and will adjust to any external magnetic field.The magnet in a compass is free to move, and will adjust to any external magnetic field.The magnet in a compass is free to move, and will adjust to any external magnetic field.The magnet in a compass is free to move, and will adjust to any external magnetic field.
Does a compass use a magnet?
no
If there was a magnet beside a compass would the compass point to the north or south?
because inside of the earth acts like a big magnet and the magnet points to the north
Is the magnet in a compass a permanent magnet or electronic?
A. Compasses typically use a permanent magnet.
