A Magic Compass & Real Magnetism

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of a "magic" compass in a fictional narrative, specifically exploring how its behavior could be explained through magnetism or other scientific principles. Participants examine the feasibility of a compass that spins endlessly and later points to a specific object, the golden key, without adhering to conventional magnetic properties.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the possibility of a compass needle spinning indefinitely without a power source, suggesting that all devices experience friction and would eventually come to rest.
  • Another participant challenges the idea that the compass and key could be made of unique metals that attract each other without being influenced by magnetic poles, stating that electromagnetism is a singular force and implying that a powerful magnet would be necessary for the compass to function as described.
  • A brief reference is made to a fictional compass from popular culture, indicating a possible inspiration for the concept.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the feasibility of the magic compass concept, with no consensus reached on the scientific plausibility of the proposed mechanisms.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the lack of detailed definitions for the unique metals mentioned and the unresolved nature of the physical principles governing the compass's behavior.

Who May Find This Useful

Writers and creators interested in integrating scientific concepts into fictional narratives, particularly those involving magnetism and its applications in storytelling.

scifiwriter888
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Hello!

I'm looking for some help regarding magnetism and how it might work (or be fictionalized) in regards to a "magic" compass. I have two questions. Please excuse my complete scientific ignorance :)

In my story, our young hero has a compass. The compass needle just spins in endless circles, never pointing north, never settling. So my first question is, how could this be possible? Is there any sort of science, type of magnetism, type of partially magnetic metal, etc. that could explain this (even if it's a stretch or even a theory)? I want to make it as grounded as possible, but if it's physically impossible, I will just have to fictionalize it.

The second part: One day this compass stops spinning and leads the hero to a golden key. The idea is that the needle is not made of steel and neither is the key. Both are made of a different type of unique metal/element that are attracted to one another and not affected by the poles. So when the compass gets within range of this key, it leads the hero to it.

I guess neither the key or needle would need to be made of steel, iron, or anything attracted to the poles, just two types of metal that would only be attracted to each other and able to operate independently of the magnetic poles.

Any input and ideas are welcome! Thank you in advance for your help!
 
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scifiwriter888 said:
So my first question is, how could this be possible?
Without a power source this is impossible. Every device has some friction, without a power source (a battery, some external variable electric or magnetic fields, sunlight, ...) it will come to rest eventually.

scifiwriter888 said:
The second part: One day this compass stops spinning and leads the hero to a golden key. The idea is that the needle is not made of steel and neither is the key. Both are made of a different type of unique metal/element that are attracted to one another and not affected by the poles. So when the compass gets within range of this key, it leads the hero to it.
That doesn't work, there is just one electromagnetism. But you can assume that the key, or its container, or something close to it, is a powerful magnet - stronger than the magnetic field of the planet if you are close enough.

Edit: typo
 
Last edited:
Jack Sparrow's compass?
 
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This is helpful! Thank you!
 

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