Magnet Attracts North End of Compass: Meaning

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SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies that when a magnet attracts the north end of a compass, it indicates that the magnet's north pole is actually its south pole in magnetic terms. This is due to the principle that opposites attract; the Earth's magnetic north pole functions as a south pole for magnets. Thus, the north end of a compass points toward the Earth's magnetic north pole, which is labeled as north for geographical purposes, creating a distinction between magnetic and geographic terminology.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic magnetism concepts
  • Familiarity with compass functionality
  • Knowledge of Earth's magnetic field
  • Concept of magnetic poles and their interactions
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of magnetism and magnetic fields
  • Explore the differences between geographic and magnetic poles
  • Learn about compass calibration and its importance in navigation
  • Investigate the applications of magnetism in modern technology
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, educators teaching magnetism, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of magnetism and navigation.

j doe
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when a magnet attracts the north end of a compass, what does that mean?
 
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What do you think it means?
 
that the part of the magnet that attracts north is also the north pole of the magnet
 
j doe said:
that the part of the magnet that attracts north is also the north pole of the magnet

no, try again
remember the ol' rule about "opposites attract"
 
oh okay so the side that the magnet attracts north on a compass is the south pole of the magnet?
 
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j doe said:
oh okay so the side that the magnet attracts north on a compass is the south pole of the magnet?
Yes. We call the Earth's magnetic north pole a north pole because it is in the north. We call a magnet's north pole a north pole because it is attracted to the Earth's north pole.

But opposites attract. The Earth's "north" pole (in the sense of geography) is its "south" pole (in the sense of how we would label it if it were just another magnet).
 
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j doe said:
oh okay so the side that the magnet attracts north on a compass is the south pole of the magnet?
Well done! See, it just required a bit of grey matter :smile:
 

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