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It is unclear how the earth developed its magnetic field. The Earth's magnetic field approximates a magnetic dipole. And we believe that dynamo action within the molten layers of iron and nickel around the solid core of the earth generates the field, but investigators have not been able to pin down what it was that initiated the field. Note that the magnetic field intensity of the Earth's magnetic field varies over time, becoming weaker and stronger. Also, the polarity of the Earth's magnetic field moves or migrates within the planet over time as well, and the polarity of the field has demonstrated a tendency to "switch" or "reverse" at intervals. This geomagnetic reversal is well documented by a number of investigators. Use the link below for more information.
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Why does a compass point in different directions?
Its ovious why a compass points in different directions. For example, if your going north, the compass points north because your going that direction. Theres also a magnet concealed in the compass. How does the compass know what direction yoiur going. Earth it self is a magnet. When you head that direction, it will point
Why does the needle of a compass point south when it's put on a bar magnet?
When a compass needle is placed near a bar magnet, it aligns itself with the magnetic field created by the magnet. The compass needle is a small magnet itself, with its north pole attracted to the south pole of the bar magnet and repelled by its north pole. If the compass needle points south, it indicates that the bar magnet's south pole is near the compass's north pole, demonstrating the fundamental property of magnetic attraction and repulsion. Thus, the orientation of the compass needle reflects the magnetic field direction of the bar magnet.
How is earth's magnetic field like the magnetic field of a natural magnet?
A magnetic field is induced by the movement of electrons.In an electromagnet, the flow of current ensures this.In a permanent magnet; there is a grouping of 'magnetic domains' in which the alignment of the spin of a group of electrons is similar; will produce a permanent magnetic field. In this case the movement of the electrons is their property of 'spin'.The Earth's magnetic field is generated by the net sum of electric currents generated in the mantle, produced by movement of the hot materials.Note, that the 'Curie Point' (discovered by the Curies), is a temperature above which a magnet may not hold its magnetism. The thermal disorder takes precedence over the previous alignment of the electron spins.Because of the Curie Point, there is no possibility of a permanent magnet existing in the interior of the Earth and causing the Earth's magnetic field.The Earth's magnetic field varies with time, and has reversed its polarity on several occasions. It also varies somewhat with the effects of the charged 'solar wind'. When there is a 'mass coronal ejection' and if it happens to face the Earth at that time, the Earth's magnetic field will be severely disrupted.In the 1859 'Carrington Event' such a storm caused much damage to the electric circuits of the day. Such an event today could well essentially destroy modern civilization.One such Coronal Mass Ejection occurred on July 2012, but fortunately was pointed away from Earth.
Why does south pole of the compass always point to the north while north pole always points to the south?
Like magnetic poles repel, unlike magnetic poles attract. So the magnetic south and magnetic north of two bar magnets will attract. Therefore, though the compass needle points towards the magnetic north, it is actually the magnetic south pole of the compass needle that is pointing towards the magnetic north.
Is a directional indicator that either points north or all four directions?
A COMPASS? It points in normally two directions North and south. However the same end will always point towards north. Some compasses have 4 cardinal points on them and they will point in all four directions at once. but again the north and south are the ones that line up. East and west are just along for the ride. Other Directional indicator. Radio direction finders, wind vanes, etc. have all the operational properties of the compass but use different means to point with.
Will the north end of a suspended magnet point to the magnetic north pole?
true, if the the magnet is not labeled the north end will always point towards the north pole.
If there was a magnet beside a compass would the compass point to the north or south?
If there is a magnet beside a compass, the compass needle would be influenced by the magnetic field of the magnet rather than Earth's magnetic field. The needle would point towards the opposite pole of the magnet, so if the magnet's north pole is beside the compass, the compass needle would point towards the south.
If you hang a magnet on a piece of cotton which way would it point?
The magnet would point towards either the North or South pole, depending on the orientation of the magnet. This is due to the Earth's magnetic field which influences the alignment of the magnet.
What happens if a bar magnet is suspended vertically?
If a bar magnet is suspended vertically, it will align itself in the north-south direction due to Earth's magnetic field. The north pole of the magnet will point towards the geographic north and the south pole towards the geographic south.
How do we know its the south pole of the magnet?
The south pole of a magnet is typically determined by observing its attraction or repulsion to the north pole of another magnet. The Earth's magnetic field can also help identify the south pole of a magnet, as the north-seeking pole of a compass needle will point towards the Earth's magnetic south pole.
Where will the North pole of a suspended magnet point to?
On a compass, the needle points toward the North Magnetic Pole (not precisely the same as the geographic North Pole). The "north pole" of a magnet is defined according to the Earth's magnetic field (or by application of the "right hand rule" of electromagnetic field generation).
What would a freely suspended magnet do?
A freely suspended magnet will align itself in the north-south direction due to Earth's magnetic field. The north pole of the magnet will point towards the geographic north pole, and the south pole will point towards the geographic south pole.
What property do compasses use?
They use the fact that the earth acts as a giant magnet so that compasses point towards the north pole.
Why does freely suspended magnet always point in the same direction?
A freely suspended magnet will always point in the same direction because it aligns itself with the Earth's magnetic field. This causes one end of the magnet to point towards the Earth's magnetic north pole and the other end to point towards the South pole.
Which direction does a magnet hung on a string ppoint to?
A magnet hung on a string will align itself in the north-south direction due to Earth's magnetic field. The north-seeking pole of the magnet will point towards the Earth's geographic north pole, providing a simple compass.
Why won't a compass work near a magnet?
The compass needle is itself a magnet which is why it always points north according to the earth's magnetic field. If you place a magnet (Whose magnetic power is stronger than the earth's) close to the compass its needle will be attracted t the magnet and not to the North Pole.
Why compass point towards north?
The compass has a small magnet, that can move around freely. This is affected by the Earth's magnetic field. The Earth's magnetic south pole is near its geographic northpole, but not exactly so.
