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An electromagnet could be used for the pointer of a compass, but there are many reasons why a simple permanent magnet works far better for this particular job.

An electromagnet:

  • Requires a power source.
  • Has far more mass that would have to balance on the center pin.
  • A reliable contact mechanism would have to be invented to connect the needle to the power source.

...these among others...

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Is earth an electromagnet?

a part of the earths structure causes it to act like an electromagnet


How can a compass be used to check the strength of an electromagnet?

see if a magnet will stick to it someone who knows stuff about magnets please improve this answer. I myself do not know because a magnet will not stick to a very weak magnet but it is still magnetic. EDIT why would you answer if you don't know the answer? You stroke a bar magnet on the material and after a while it either becomes magnetic or not. unless its already magnetic which you would know straight away because it would stick to the bar magnet. sorry if any of my answer doesnt make much sense ... hope i helped someone


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.


A quartz be most useful to help make a simple compass?

While quartz itself doesn't have magnetic properties to make a compass, you could use a small piece of quartz as a reference point for direction when building a simple compass. By aligning the quartz with the Earth's magnetic field, you could use it as a marker to determine north and orient your compass accordingly.


What is the difference between compass traversing and theodolite traversing?

Compass traversing uses a magnetic compass to determine directions, while theodolite traversing involves the use of a theodolite, which is a more precise instrument for measuring horizontal and vertical angles. Theodolite traversing provides more accurate results compared to compass traversing.

Related Questions

What will happen if you put a compass next to an electromagnet that is switched?

the compass's needle will point at the electromagnet


Is a compass an electromagnet?

Usually it's a permanent magnet. You could use an electromagnet instead, but doing so is considerably harder from an engineering standpoint.


Why does a compass move when it gets near an electromagnet?

When a compass gets near an electromagnet, the magnetic field produced by the electromagnet interferes with the Earth's magnetic field, causing the compass needle to align with the electromagnet's field instead. This phenomenon is known as magnetic deflection.


Why does an compass needle move when it is brought near an electromagnet?

A compass needle is a tiny magnet that aligns with the magnetic field around it. When brought near an electromagnet, the magnetic field produced by the electromagnet affects the compass needle, causing it to align with the new magnetic field created by the electromagnet.


Does a compass use a electromagnet?

Yes, a compass uses a magnetized needle that aligns with the Earth's magnetic field to determine direction. The Earth's magnetic field is created by the movement of molten metal in its outer core, acting like a giant electromagnet.


What would happen if you placed a compass near an electromagnet when there is an electric current in the coil of the electromagnet?

The needle of the compass will align itself with the magnetic field produced by the electromagnet due to the flow of electric current in the coil. The compass needle will point in the direction of the magnetic field lines, which are generated by the current passing through the coil of the electromagnet.


What device can be used to determine the direction of the magnetic field in the electromagnet?

A compass can be used to determine the direction of the magnetic field in an electromagnet. The needle of the compass will align along the direction of the magnetic field lines produced by the electromagnet.


What would happen if you put a compass next to a electromagnet?

The compass needle would align itself with the magnetic field produced by the electromagnet. The north-seeking pole of the compass needle would point towards the south pole of the electromagnet, indicating the direction of the magnetic field.


What will happen if you put a compass next to a electromagnet that is turnd on?

the arrow in the compass would point to the magnet


What would happen if you placed a compass near an electromagnet?

The compass needle would align itself with the magnetic field produced by the electromagnet. The north-seeking end of the compass needle would point towards the south pole of the electromagnet, and vice versa.


How can you test which ends of an electromagnet is the South or North Pole?

Get a compass


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.