Lesson 9 of 13
The compass finds north
Show on a big screenSpin a magnetised needle on a pin. Magnetised means made into a magnet. Where does the needle stop?
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The idea
The needle stops with its N end pointing north.
A magnet that swings freely stops in the same line. The line runs north to south. This holds only if no other magnet or iron is near.
This is how a compass works. Its needle is a small magnet. The end that points north is the N pole.
Step 1 of 3
- A magnetised needle, balanced on a pin.
- Give it a spin, any way you like.
- It settles with its N end pointing north.
Try the lab to finish this lesson.