Compass with stronger magnetic?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the behavior of compass needles in relation to the strength of the magnetic field they are subjected to. Participants explore how stronger magnetic fields might affect the compass's ability to return to a north-south orientation, considering both theoretical and practical implications.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that a compass with a stronger magnetic field will return to its north-south orientation more quickly than one with a weaker magnetic field.
  • Others question this assumption, proposing that an extremely weak magnetic compass needle might struggle to respond effectively to the Earth's magnetic field.
  • One participant raises concerns about the implications of a stronger magnetic needle, noting that increased strength could lead to increased weight and potential heating effects if the magnetism is generated electrically, which might counteract the benefits of strength.
  • A later reply mentions that rare Earth magnets can produce stronger magnetic fields without increasing size, suggesting that size and strength are not directly correlated.
  • There is a challenge regarding the mention of electricity in relation to magnetic strength, prompting clarification on the context of electrical generation of magnetism.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the relationship between magnetic strength and the compass's responsiveness, indicating that multiple competing perspectives remain unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully defined the conditions under which the compass operates, such as the specific types of magnets being compared or the environmental factors affecting performance. There are also unresolved questions regarding the effects of weight and temperature on magnetic strength.

tor1chip
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If compass on is not heading to south or north, the stronger magnetic will help it quicker return to the position?
 
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The compass have the ability to turn around to the position of south or north if not in the position, for the compass with stronger magnetic, will it return more quickly than the weak magnetic one?
 
You can answer your own question: what would you expect if an extremely weak magnetic compass needle were used...say one that is barely able to turn in response to the Earth's magnetic field because it is so weak.
 
I am worried about the not extremely way... There are two points I consider: 1) If the magnetic is stronger then the needle should be heavier. 2) if the magnetic is made by electricity, then the temperature on the needle will be higher, so making the magnetic weak. So the fastest returning may not by the extremely strong magnetic needle. So how strong is best?
 
tor1chip said:
I am worried about the not extremely way... There are two points I consider: 1) If the magnetic is stronger then the needle should be heavier. 2) if the magnetic is made by electricity, then the temperature on the needle will be higher, so making the magnetic weak. So the fastest returning may not by the extremely strong magnetic needle. So how strong is best?

hi tor1chip

1) ... not necessarily, rare Earth magnets produce stronger magnetic fields with no increase in size over a nickel/iron magnet, in fact for the same magnetic flux density the magnet will most likely be much smaller

2) ... electricity ? what electricity ? :)

cheers
Dave
 

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