Writing: Input Wanted A Magic Compass & Real Magnetism

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around the concept of a "magic" compass that spins endlessly and eventually points to a golden key. The first question addresses how such a compass could function scientifically, with suggestions that without a power source, perpetual motion is impossible. The second part explores the idea that both the compass needle and the key could be made of unique metals that attract each other without being influenced by Earth's magnetic poles. However, it is noted that for this to work, the key or its container would need to be a powerful magnet to overcome the planet's magnetic field. Overall, while some creative liberties can be taken, grounding the concept in some scientific principles is encouraged.
scifiwriter888
Messages
12
Reaction score
0
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!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
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?
 
  • Like
Likes russ_watters
This is helpful! Thank you!
 

Thread 'Are Clone Ships a Better Alternative for Space Colonization?'

We've just had an interesting thread about generation ships, but I don't think that that is the most reasonable way to colonize another planet. Fatal problems: - Crew may become chaotic and self destructive. - Crew may become so adapted to space as to be unwilling to return to a planet. - Making the planet habitable may take longer then the trip, so the ship needs to last far longer than just the journey. - Mid-flight malfunction may render the ship unable to decelerate at the destination...
View full post »

Thread 'AI Consciousness?'

I know this topic is extremely contraversial and debated, but I'm writing a book where an AI attempts to become as human as possible. Would it, eventually, especially in the far future, be possible for an AI to gain a conscious? To be clear, my definition of a consciousness being the ability to possess self-created morals, thoughts, and views, AKA a whole personality. And if this is possible (and let's just say it is for this question), about how long may it take for something to happen...
View full post »

Thread 'Red Dwarf Star Systems -- Could they support life?'

This is a question for people who know about astrophysics. It's been said that the habitable zones around red dwarf stars are so close to those stars that any planets in the zones would be tidally locked to the stars in question. With one side roasting and another side freezing almost forever, those planets wouldn't be hospitable to life. a) Could there be forms of life--whole ecologies--that first evolve in the planet's twilight zone and then extend their habitat by burrowing...
View full post »

Similar threads

A confused Compass Needle between two solenoids
Replies
31
Views
2K
B Magnetic attraction force Question
Replies
7
Views
2K
Could a new type of compass be created using a rotating permanent magnet?
Replies
1
Views
2K
Question about magnetic fields (electromagnet)
Replies
3
Views
2K
Looking for material with specific magnetic properties
Replies
11
Views
2K
PPMT, Magnetic Flux Switch, electro-permanent magnet generator
Replies
8
Views
3K
Writing: Input Wanted Different Cosmic Disasters for Different Plot Points
Replies
7
Views
3K
Writing: Input Wanted Captain's choices on colony ships
Replies
4
Views
3K
Field Energy of Permanent Magnets vs. Magnetic Monopoles
Replies
27
Views
3K
Suggestions and thoughts on my magnets and magnetism demonstration
Replies
3
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top