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Why does the north pole of a magnet point towards the north pole of earth?
Wiki User
∙ 11y ago
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.
Wiki User
∙ 14y ago
Wiki User
∙ 12y agoThe magnetic field formed around the earth when the solid iron core solidified and created a magnetic field. All magnets create a magnetic field but stronger and weaker compared to size and strength. The iron core of the earth is really big and a strong magnet, which makes it strong enough and big enough to surround the Earth and protect from solar waves and most comets.
Wiki User
∙ 12y agoThe "North pole" on a magnet is more properly the "north-seeking pole", i.e. the pole that tends to point north.
The Earth's physical north pole is near its magnetic SOUTH pole (or what would be labeled as the south pole -- really the "south-seeking pole" -- if the Earth were a small laboratory magnet).
Wiki User
∙ 12y agoIt isn't, exactly. At present, the Earth's magnetic field happens to be oriented such that it's more or less lined up with the spin axis. That "more or less" is key; the magnetic poles are kind of near the geographic poles, but they drift slowly from year to year. Okay, technical quibbles aside:
Magnets were labelled originally such that the "North" pole of a magnet is the one that tends to point north (it's the "north seeking pole", if you want), and the "South" pole of a magnet is the one that tends to point south.
That means that, as far as the Earth is concerned, the northern magnetic pole is the one with the same polarity as the pole labelled "south" on a bar magnet.
There's no particular reason this should be the case, and the Earth's magnetic field has "flipped" several times in the distant past and will probably continue to do so in the future. However, for as long as humans have been intelligent enough to recognize and use magnets, the polarity has been the same.
Wiki User
∙ 11y agoit doesnt thats a stupid question.
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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
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.
What is the subsolar point?
Subsolar PointBy definition, the subsolar point is the point on the Earth's surface at which the Sun is at its highest (or lowest) latitude at local solar noon. The Subsolar point changes continually as the Earth rotates and seasonally moving from 23.5 degrees South to 23.5 degrees North (the solstices) and back throughout the year. To the extent that the subsolar point is directly beneath the sun (i.e., when the sun's rays are exactly perpendicular to the Earth's surface), it would also be true that the closest point on Earth to the sun at that particular point in time would be the subsolar point.
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.
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 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.
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
Why would a magnet not point north at the north pole?
As the sides repel each otherIt's already there. Where would it point to? Mind you, the north pole and the magnetic north are not the same thing, so it would actually point to magnetic north.AnswerThe earth behaves as though there were a giant bar magnet buried deep within its surface. Magnetic North is the location where the magnetic lines of force (flux) are perpendicular to the earth's surface. So, at this point, if the magnet or compass were able to, it would point vertically downwards. If it is only able to rotate horizontally, then it may just spin haphazardly.At True North, which is hundreds of miles away from Magnetic North, the magnet or compass would point towards Magnetic North.
Where does the north pole of a freely swinging magnet always point?
It will point along the magnetic field lines. If there are no other magnets around, it will usually point to the north. More precisely, toward's Earth's magnetic SOUTH pole; from most geographical location, this point is more or less towards the NORTH.
How can a north poles of a magnet help when you are lost?
The north pole of a magnet can help when you are lost because it can act as a compass. When suspended freely or allowed to rotate, the north pole of a magnet will align itself with the Earth's magnetic field, which points towards the North Pole. By observing the direction in which the north pole of a magnet points, you can determine which way is north and navigate your way.
Why do magnet compasses not point exactly north?
because of the earth's magnetic core
How do we know its the south pole of the magnet?
Because magnets are oriented to the poles of the earth. Left to orient themselves the North on a magnet will point to the North Pole if the earth and the South to the South Pole.
How do magnets help explorers?
Magnets are used in compasses because if a magnet can move freely, its north pole will always swing round to point towards the Earth's North Pole. Then, you know which way is north, making a compass a very useful tool. You can test this out by hanging a bar magnet on a piece of string.
Why does the north pole of a compass point towards the earth's north magnetic pole?
The center of the earth has iron core
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.
