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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.
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∙ 16y ago
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Does a magnetic compass work in the desert?
Why not? the desert is just the same as any other place on planet earth. Magnetic compasses work fine in the desert. See the "Where does the magnetic compass not work?" question for some places where they don't work.
How can you tell that the Earth has a magnetic field?
Hang a magnetized object from a thread attached to its midpoint, so that it balances with its poles at the same level, like a propeller.Notice that regardless of what position you point it, it has a direction in which it wants to point, and when you let it go, it always rotates itself to that direction.An identical object that's NOT magnetized won't behave that way.
What compass is Canada in?
The north. We have and own the north magnetic pole. All compass users have to pay us a royalty....ok maybe not.
If the worlds magnetic poles reverse would the sun rise in the west?
No. The rotation of the Earth cannot change without a shock big enough to destroy all life on the planet. But the direction of "magnetic north" would point more toward the SOUTH pole than the north pole.A magnetic compass doesn't point at the north pole; it points to the north MAGNETIC pole, which is currently (it slowly wanders around) in northern Canada. When the Earth's magnetic field reverses, we're not sure exactly where the north magnetic pole will be, but it'll probably be somewhere in the Indian Ocean south of Tasmania. We do know that the Earth's magnetic field will reverse; it has hundreds of times before. But we don't expect it any time soon.
In which direction would a floating magnet move?
It would align itself with the magnetic North and South poles of the Earth.
Why does a compass does not show exact geographical poles?
A compass needle points to the magnetic poles, which are not the same as the geographic poles. There is nothing special about the magnetic field at the geographic poles.
Function of a magnetic compass?
The function of a magnetic compass is to show the direction toward the magnetic poles of the Earth. It is used as a navigation tool.
Where is the magnetic compass most beneficial?
About Midway between the earth's magnetic poles.
Does magnetic compass work on the sun?
No, the sun does not have an iron core to generate magnetic poles
What do the poles of a magnetized needle on a compass align themselves with?
(:magnetic field :)
How does a compass needle align its self?
The compass needle is magnetic, so it aligns itself with the magnetic poles. For more information on magnetic fields, see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnetic_field
A compass is a scientific instrument used to locate the what?
The magnetic north pole of the Earth.add. Actually the compass aligns itself with the lines of magnetic force at your location. From this we may infer the direction of the magnetic poles.
What has the author Henry Herbert Howe written?
Henry Herbert Howe has written: 'Magnetic poles and the compass' -- subject(s): Compass
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.
A compass needle is a small magnet.It line up with the Earth's magnetic field lines what must me true about the polarity of the compass needle which points northwards geographically?
'Magnetic North' is so-called to distinguish it from 'True North' -it has nothing whatsoever to do with describing its magnetic polarity. The poles of a magnet and, therefore, a compass needle, are named after the directions in which they point. Since unlike poles attract, the magnetic polarity of Magnetic North must be a south pole.
Needle on compass always points to what pole?
The magnetic poles of a compass needle are named after the directions in which they point. 'Magnetic North' and 'Magnetic South' are LOCATIONS (used to distinguish them from 'True North' and 'Magnetic North'), and do NOT describe their magnetic polarities. As 'unlike poles attract', the north pole of the compass needle points towards Magnetic North, whose polarity must, therefore, be south. By extension, the polarity of Magnetic South is north.
Does the magnetic compass always point in a northern direction when placed on the earth?
No. The true north pole and the magnetic north pole are in different locations. The compass will point at the magnetic north pole. If you happened to be somewhere between the two north poles, the compass will point exactly backwards!
