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Why does the north end of a compass needle dip downwards and does it always behave like this?
You have to realize that the Earth is a sphere and that the magnetic north pole isn't in a direction tangent to the Earth's surface, but rather through the Earth itself. Therefore, a compass needle will dip downwards if it is dense enough to break the surface tension of the fluid it is floating on.
What else can I help you with?
What is a device that has a magnetized needle that can spin freely?
A compass has a magnetized needle that can spin freely.
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.
What will happen to a compass needle when an aluminium bar is kept in between them?
The compass needle will be unaffected by the presence of the aluminium bar as it is not magnetic. Aluminium is not a magnetic material, so it will not interfere with the function of the compass needle.
What feature of earth makes a compass needle point north?
What features of the earth makes a compass needle point north
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.
Which way does a compass needle usually point?
The needle, or "pointer", of a compass will always point North. See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compass
What pole does the needle on a compass always point to?
the north pole
The needle on a compass is always pointing to what pole?
The north pole.
Why Magnetic compass inoperative at the poles?
the fieldlines are pointing straight down. If your compass could rotate when held up (instead of lying flat on a table), the needle would point downwards.
What is the purpose for a needle on a compass?
to point the right direction ***correction by cw - the needle always points north.
What is a device that has a magnetized needle that can spin freely?
A compass has a magnetized needle that can spin freely.
What is the name of a compass needle?
The needle in a compass is typically called a magnetic needle or magnetic pointer.
Where will a compass point if you face south?
If you point the north side of the compass away from you the compass will point south. Because the needle always points north (magnetism).
What is the magnet in a compass?
The compass needle.
How could you magnetise a needle to make your own compass?
Rub the needle across a magnetic surface...always in the same direction, don't go back and forth. This will magnetise the needle. Then float the needle in a dish of water. And presto you have your own compass
Why does a compass needle change direction when it is near a magnetic field?
Because of the magnetic force. The compass needle is also magnetic.Because of the magnetic force. The compass needle is also magnetic.Because of the magnetic force. The compass needle is also magnetic.Because of the magnetic force. The compass needle is also magnetic.
Who discovered why a compass needle always pointed north?
The discovery that a compass needle always points north is attributed to the Chinese during the Han Dynasty around 206 BC to 220 AD. They found that the magnetic properties of lodestone aligned the needle towards the Earth's magnetic north pole.
