Understanding Magnetic Fields: Compass Direction in a Bar Magnet

In summary, when a compass is placed inside a bar magnet, it will point in the direction of the tangent to the magnetic field line at that location. This means that the compass "N" will point to the north pole of the bar magnet, which is actually a south magnetic pole according to modern understanding.
  • #1
rh23
16
0

Homework Statement



If a compass was placed inside a bar magnet which way would north point.

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


It seems when you put a compass around a bar magnet it points in the direction of the tangent to the magnetic field line at that location. Inside a bar magnet the magnetic field lines run from south to north so i believe the compass "N" will point to the north pole of the bar magnet
 
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  • #2
rh23 said:

Homework Statement



If a compass was placed inside a bar magnet which way would north point.

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


It seems when you put a compass around a bar magnet it points in the direction of the tangent to the magnetic field line at that location. Inside a bar magnet the magnetic field lines run from south to north so i believe the compass "N" will point to the north pole of the bar magnet

Historically, a magnet's north pole was taken to be the end of the magnet that is attracted to the direction of the north geographic pole. Of course today we understand that this makes the Earth's north actually a south magnetic pole!
 
  • #3
Not sure if that was suppose to help?
 

1. What are magnetic fields?

Magnetic fields are areas around a magnet where its force can be felt. They are created by the movement of electric charges, such as the electrons in atoms.

2. How does a compass work?

A compass works by aligning itself with the Earth's magnetic field. The needle of a compass is a small magnet that is free to rotate. It will always point towards the Earth's magnetic north pole.

3. What is the difference between magnetic north and true north?

Magnetic north is the direction that a compass needle points towards, which is slightly different from the Earth's true north. This is because the Earth's magnetic field is not perfectly aligned with its axis of rotation.

4. How can I tell the direction of a magnetic field in a bar magnet?

The direction of a magnetic field in a bar magnet can be determined by using a compass. The north pole of the compass needle will point towards the south pole of the bar magnet.

5. Can magnetic fields be blocked or shielded?

Yes, magnetic fields can be blocked or shielded by certain materials such as iron or steel. This is because these materials are highly magnetic and can redirect the magnetic field around them.

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