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Earth's magnetic field is what allows a compass to align itself with the magnetic poles, causing the needle to point north. The magnetic field provides a reference point for navigation, helping people determine their direction relative to the Earth's magnetic field. Any changes or disturbances in the magnetic field can affect the accuracy of a compass reading.

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1y ago

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Can a electric current affect a compass?

Yes. An electric current is surrounded by a magnetic field, and this will affect a compass. Please note that this is more noticeable in the case of DC - for AC, the current changes all the time, it changes very quickly, and the AVERAGE value of the magnetic field is zero.


A compass needle points northward due to earths?

magnetic field, which aligns the needle with the north direction. This field is created by the movement of the Earth's outer core, composed of molten iron and nickel, which generates a magnetic field as the Earth rotates.


A device that uses the Earths magnetic field to indicate witch way north is?

A compass is a device that uses the Earth's magnetic field to indicate which way is north. It aligns with the Earth's magnetic field, with one end pointing towards the magnetic north pole and the other end pointing towards the magnetic south pole. This allows users to determine their direction and navigate accurately.


Does a compass needle line up perpendicular or parallel to a magnetic field?

A compass needle will align itself with a magnetic field. It will want to lie along the magnetic field lines, or lie parallel to the lines of force of the magnetic field it is interacting with.


How do i use the earth's magnetic field to tell me where to go?

You can use a compass to detect the Earth's magnetic field and determine cardinal directions like North, South, East, and West. By aligning the compass needle with the magnetic field, you can navigate and orient yourself accordingly.

Related Questions

Is a compass affected by the earths magnetic field?

Yes, a compass works by aligning itself with the Earth's magnetic field to determine direction. The needle in a compass is magnetized and will point towards the Earth's magnetic north pole.


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.


How does magnetic field affect a compass?

The earth's magnetic field acts upon the magnetic material of the compass needle, causing it to align to the field. Thus, the compass appears to point North, which is "magnetic north". Magnetic north and "true north" are about 300 miles apart.


How does earth magnetic field affect a compass?

The earth's magnetic field acts upon the magnetic material of the compass needle, causing it to align to the field. Thus, the compass appears to point North, which is "magnetic north". Magnetic north and "true north" are about 300 miles apart.


What happens to the compass when an aluminum bar is close?

The magnetic field of the compass may be slightly influenced by the presence of the aluminum bar, but aluminum itself is not magnetic so it won't affect the compass significantly. You would generally need a stronger magnetic field to noticeably affect the compass's needle.


Compass magnets can only be deflected by electromagnets such as Earth's magnetic field?

Compass magnets align themselves with Earth's magnetic field due to their own magnetic properties. Electromagnets, like the one found in devices such as phones or microwaves, can create magnetic fields that may interfere with a compass's accuracy if they are strong enough and placed close to the compass.


How a magnetic compass can be used to find directions on Earths surface?

A compass is an instrument containing a freely suspended magnetic element which displays the direction of the horizontal component of the Earth's magnetic field at the point of observation.


What would be the efffect on people if the earths magnetic field fliped?

One affect may be that people today would be going north when they think they are going south. It would affect the compass that they may be using


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.


Can an electric current be used to affect a compass needle?

Yes, an electric current can affect a compass needle because it creates a magnetic field. When the electric current flows through a wire, it generates a magnetic field around the wire, which can deflect the compass needle and change its direction.


Can a electric current affect a compass?

Yes. An electric current is surrounded by a magnetic field, and this will affect a compass. Please note that this is more noticeable in the case of DC - for AC, the current changes all the time, it changes very quickly, and the AVERAGE value of the magnetic field is zero.


What do you have to add to a compass to make it in line with the earths magnetic field?

Nothing. That's exactly what a compass does ... as long as it's free to turn, and there are no ferrous metals or other sources of magnetic fields nearby.