How Can You Make a Compass Without Iron?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the challenge of creating a compass without the use of iron or other ferromagnetic materials. Participants explore alternative materials and methods to achieve this goal.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants consider using non-ferromagnetic materials, such as plastic, and discuss the potential of charging materials to create a magnetic effect. There is also mention of using a copper wire loop connected to a battery as a possible method, though concerns about safety are raised.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with various ideas and methods being proposed. Some participants are questioning the feasibility of the suggested approaches and the underlying principles of magnetism involved.

Contextual Notes

There is an emphasis on avoiding ferromagnetic materials, which raises questions about the definitions and properties of different materials in relation to magnetism.

chase222
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How can you make a compass without using iron or other ferromagnetic material?

At first, I thought to use a needle, but I was told that that was steel, and therefore iron. Any ideas?
 
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hmm

i seem to remember a plastic rod that someone charged with wool hanging on a thread or something I am sorry i don't remember more but wouldn't the charge attract to something?
 
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We're talking about the interaction between Earth's magnetic field and the needle of the compass.Ferromagnetic substances have such an internal structure that allows to have a nonzero macroscopical magnetization,even in the absence of an external magnetic field.Therefore,they're really suited for compass needles.

Daniel.
 
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chase222 said:
How can you make a compass without using iron or other ferromagnetic material?

At first, I thought to use a needle, but I was told that that was steel, and therefore iron. Any ideas?

Well, I'm not one for answering physics questions but can't you connect a copper wire in the form of a loop to battery terminals, hang it, and it will orientate itself in the Earth's magnetic field? However, it's dangerous since the battery can explode with the large current discharging. Or should I just stick to math?
 
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