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It is the magnetism, or magnetic force, of the Earth's magnetic field.

Created by the movement of the planet's iron core, the magnetic field consists of roughly parallel lines connecting the North and South Magnetic Poles, which are not the same locations as the geographic poles. The magnetized compass needle (actually a very thin bar magnet) reacts to this field by lining up along a north-south axis.The north end of the needle indicates the direction to the North Magnetic Pole, allowing users to orient themselves directionally.

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Infer what characteristic of a compass needle accounts for your observation of the compass and the magnet?

The characteristic of magnetism in the compass needle allows it to align itself with the Earth's magnetic field, indicating the North and South poles. This alignment enables the compass needle to point towards the magnetic North pole of the Earth when used with a magnet.


How do you show that electric current causes magnetism?

Put a wire carrying an electric current near a compass and it causes the needle to deflect.


Why a compass needle not point to the geographic north pole?

maby the compass has lost its magnetism or you ar close to metal or a magnent


Why should you handle a compass carefully?

Since the needle in a compass is magnetized by induction it loses its magnetism easily by rough contact or heat.


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).


How does a compass utilize magnetism to indicate direction?

A compass utilizes magnetism to indicate direction by aligning itself with the Earth's magnetic field. The needle inside the compass is a magnet that is free to rotate, and it points towards the Earth's magnetic north pole. This allows the compass to show the direction of north, south, east, and west based on the orientation of the needle.


Which property of a magnet is the reason why a magnet is used in a compass?

Its magnetism and the fact that the magnetism is the biggest force acting on the needle on the XY plane. This force is bigger than the friction from the spindle and the force of inertia. (The force of gravity is bigger but this acts on the Z plane) As the magnetism is the biggest force acting on the alignment of the needle it means it wants to align itself with the earths magnetic field. The result is a needle that points to magnetic north


What does force on a magnetic compass needle represent?

The force acting on a magnetic compass needle represents the Earth's magnetic field. The needle aligns itself with the magnetic field lines, pointing towards the North and South magnetic poles. This alignment allows the compass needle to indicate the direction of North.


How did Oersted discover the relationship between an electricity and magnetism?

Hans Christian Oersted discovered the relationship between electricity and magnetism in 1820 when he observed that an electric current flowing through a wire caused a nearby compass needle to deflect. This observation demonstrated that an electric current produces a magnetic field.


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

Yes, an electric current can create a magnetic field that can deflect a compass needle. This phenomenon is known as the Oersted Effect and demonstrates the relationship between electricity and magnetism.


How will you distinguish magnets from non magnetized magnetic materials?

You can use a device that detects magnetism. A compass needle may suffice.


How will distinguish magnets from non magnetized magnetic materials?

You can use a device that detects magnetism. A compass needle may suffice.