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The pointer/magnet provides the opposite attractive force to align itself along the earth's magnetic field. The pointer/magnet must be lightweight so that it responds rapidly to turning, and so that it reduces friction from its weight as it rests on the supporting pin. The so-called "frictionless" bearing (the supporting pin) allows the compass pointer to spin freely in order to achieve said alignment with the earth's magnetic field. Low friction is necessary to allow the weak magnetic force on the pointer to overcome the friction between the pointer/magnet and the supporting pin.

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All compasses point where?

A compass is a simple device which consists of a small, lightweight magnet which is balanced on a nearly frictionless pivot point. A compass will always point towards the North Pole because of the Earthâ??s magnetic field because the magnet inside the compass is drawn to that magnetic field.


Where does a compass point when it is moved close to a magnet?

That depends on which pole of the magnet it is moved close to. If it is brought close to the "South" pole of the magnet, the "North" pointer of the compass will be attracted to the magnet. If it is brought close to the "North" pole of the magnet, the "North" pointer of the compass will be repelled and will point AWAY from the magnet, while the "South" end of the compass pointer will point to the magnet.


What is the magnet in a compass?

The compass needle.


Is compass attracted to magnet?

Yes, a compass is attracted to a magnet because the needle inside the compass is magnetized and aligns itself with the Earth's magnetic field, which is created by the interaction of the Earth's core and crust. This allows the compass to point towards the magnetic North Pole.


Hw do you make a compass face the wrong way?

To make a compass face the wrong way, you can do so by placing a strong magnet next to the compass needle. The magnetic force of the magnet will overpower the Earth's magnetic field, causing the compass needle to point in the opposite direction. Remember that this can temporarily disrupt the accuracy of the compass.

Related Questions

How does a navigator work?

A compass contains a needle which shows the holder north and south when the needle turns. A compass contains a lightweight magnet and fricitionless bearing to connect with the earths magnetic field otherwise the needle cannot be turned.


Where does a compass point when it is moved close to a magnet?

That depends on which pole of the magnet it is moved close to. If it is brought close to the "South" pole of the magnet, the "North" pointer of the compass will be attracted to the magnet. If it is brought close to the "North" pole of the magnet, the "North" pointer of the compass will be repelled and will point AWAY from the magnet, while the "South" end of the compass pointer will point to the magnet.


All compasses point where?

A compass is a simple device which consists of a small, lightweight magnet which is balanced on a nearly frictionless pivot point. A compass will always point towards the North Pole because of the Earthâ??s magnetic field because the magnet inside the compass is drawn to that magnetic field.


What is the magnet in a compass?

The compass needle.


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.


How does a bar magnet interact with a compass?

A bar magnet interacts with a compass by aligning the compass needle along the magnetic field lines of the magnet. This causes the compass needle to point towards the North Pole of the magnet, allowing the compass to indicate the direction of the magnetic field.


What happens when a compass is brought closer to a magnet?

When a compass is brought closer to a magnet, the compass needle will align itself with the magnetic field of the magnet. This alignment occurs because the magnetic field of the compass interacts with the magnetic field of the magnet, causing the needle to point towards the magnet.


How can one determine the polarity of a magnet?

To determine the polarity of a magnet, you can use a compass. The end of the magnet that attracts the north pole of the compass is the magnet's north pole, and the end that attracts the south pole of the compass is the magnet's south pole.


How can you fix a compass that is next to a magnet?

To fix a compass near a magnet, move the compass away from the magnet to ensure accurate readings. If that doesn't work, try demagnetizing the compass by rubbing a strong magnet in the opposite direction. Finally, calibrate the compass according to manufacturer instructions to reset its accuracy.


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.


Is the magnet in a compass a permanent or electromagnet?

The magnet in a compass is a permanent magnet. It retains its magnetism without the need for an external electrical current.


Is compass attracted to magnet?

Yes, a compass is attracted to a magnet because the needle inside the compass is magnetized and aligns itself with the Earth's magnetic field, which is created by the interaction of the Earth's core and crust. This allows the compass to point towards the magnetic North Pole.