Understanding Magnet Alignment: Answers to Common Questions | Homework Help

[fredrogers3]

Homework Statement

I have found a picture of the diagram here:
http://imageshack.us/a/img850/3364/imageacm.jpg

The first question asks the following: Once the suspended magnet has aligned itself with the magnetic field, which of its poles points in the same direction as the external field produced by magnet 2?

The next question asks me to consider a compass placed near a magnet. The question asks "which way the north pole of the compass would point with respect to the center of the compass?"

Homework Equations

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The Attempt at a Solution

I first drew the final arrangement of the suspended compass. Specifically, I drew the north pole of the suspended magnet "over" the south pole of the stationary magnet and vice versa. I also drew the magnetic field lines in as exiting north and entering the south pole of the magnet. With that in mind, I'm a bit confused as to how to approach the first question I have asked. With regard to my second question, is it simply asking me which way the needle of the compass points at that particular location?


Thanks

 

[rude man]

Think of the Earth's magnetic field caused by a huge bar magnet with its S pole near the geographic North pole. Sounds goofy but there it is.

What effect does the Earth's field by itself have on the swinging bar magnet orientation?
What effect does the second bar magnet, given its orientation, have on the swinging magnet?
Then use superposition to get your answer.