- #1
j doe
- 37
- 2
when a magnet attracts the north end of a compass, what does that mean?
Magnet Attracts North End of Compass: Meaning
- Context: High School
- Thread starter j doe
- Start date
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Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the meaning of a magnet attracting the north end of a compass, exploring the implications of magnetic poles and terminology. It touches on concepts related to magnetism and the Earth's magnetic field.
Discussion Character
- Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- One participant asks about the meaning of a magnet attracting the north end of a compass.
- Another participant prompts for thoughts on the initial question.
- Some participants propose that the part of the magnet attracting the north end of the compass is the north pole of the magnet.
- Others argue that, according to the rule of "opposites attract," the side of the magnet attracting the north end of the compass must be the south pole of the magnet.
- A later reply clarifies that the Earth's magnetic north pole is labeled as such because it is located in the north, while a magnet's north pole is attracted to it, suggesting a reversal in labeling based on attraction.
- One participant confirms the understanding that the magnet's side attracting the compass's north end is indeed its south pole.
- Another participant acknowledges the correct understanding with a light-hearted remark.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express differing views on the labeling of magnetic poles, with some asserting that the north pole of a magnet attracts the north end of a compass, while others emphasize the concept of opposites attracting, leading to a conclusion that the attracting side is the south pole of the magnet. The discussion remains somewhat unresolved with competing interpretations.
Contextual Notes
Participants rely on the definitions of magnetic poles and the terminology used for the Earth's magnetic field, which may lead to confusion without a clear consensus on the implications of these labels.
- #2
ProfuselyQuarky
Gold Member
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What do you think it means?
- #3
j doe
- 37
- 2
that the part of the magnet that attracts north is also the north pole of the magnet
- #4
davenn
Science Advisor
Gold Member
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j doe said:
no, try again
remember the ol' rule about "opposites attract"
- #5
j doe
- 37
- 2
oh okay so the side that the magnet attracts north on a compass is the south pole of the magnet?
- #6
jbriggs444
Science Advisor
Homework Helper
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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.j doe said:
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).
- #7
ProfuselyQuarky
Gold Member
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Well done! See, it just required a bit of grey matterj doe said:
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