A confused Compass Needle between two solenoids

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the behavior of a magnetic compass needle placed at point Z, influenced by two solenoids with opposing current directions. The first solenoid creates a magnetic field that results in a South pole at point Z, while the second solenoid produces a North pole. The net magnetic field at point Z is zero due to the cancellation of the fields from both solenoids, allowing the compass needle to align with the Earth's magnetic field. The participants emphasize the importance of understanding magnetic field lines and the right-hand rule for determining the direction of magnetic moments.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of magnetic fields and magnetic poles
  • Familiarity with solenoids and their magnetic effects
  • Knowledge of the right-hand rule for current direction
  • Basic principles of compass needle behavior in magnetic fields
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the magnetic field lines produced by solenoids
  • Learn about the right-hand rule and its applications in electromagnetism
  • Explore the concept of magnetic moments and their alignment in external fields
  • Investigate the differences between magnetic dipoles and solenoids
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, educators teaching electromagnetism, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of magnetism and compass behavior in varying magnetic fields.

  • #31
kuruman said:
Look at the picture below. North pole is green and South pole is red. All needles are lined up in the direction of the local external magnetic field. Three of them are identified by arrows. Towards what pole do the needles identified by arrows point? What about the rest of the needles not identified by arrows? Sort it out in your head and tell me.
Sir I realised my mistake of posting 2nd question in the same thread.
@kuruman

1705696127516.png


Continuing with this one, I deeply analysed everything and since the magnetic field is from north to South for both the solenoids. The needle should point in the direction of the magnetic field which is between the two south poles.
So I finally concluded that the green part of my needle is the north pole of the needle.
Could you tell me which (the red or the green part) is the north pole of the magnetized needle?
And is the polarity of my solenoids correctly labelled?
 
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  • #32
Darshit Sharma said:
So I finally concluded that the green part of my needle is the north pole of the needle.
That is correct.

Solenoids_2.png
 
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