- #1
Ebrightb
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Homework Statement
I'm an introductory electromagnetism course and in lab we were observing how an electric current could deflect a compass needle. however, i also noticed that the batter itself (with no wire attached, so no current) could also deflect the needle. (for ex, if you brought the the + end of the d cell near the compass the needle would move). These were Duracell alkaline D batteries.
Does anyone know why this might be happening?
Homework Equations
The Attempt at a Solution
My first thought was that since there was a potential difference across the terminals of the battery, that when i moved the battery i was moving charges, thus creating a current and therefore a magnetic field that deflected the compass. However, it can't be just from me moving the battery because I took a magnaprobe to a stationary battery saw the same effect. I also saw this with other batteries, it was not unique to one. What could be causing this? Let me know your thoughts!