The compass needle turns in response to the direction of the applied magnetic field, not inherently to the right. If a magnetic field is introduced from the left, the compass needle will align with that field, moving left. The discussion highlights a misunderstanding of magnetic field interactions, clarifying that the compass's movement is dictated by the position of the magnet rather than an intrinsic property of the compass itself. The Coriolis Effect is mentioned but is not relevant to the compass's behavior in this context.
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phinds said:the statement is nonsensical ... it will NOT turn right unless that's where the magnet makes it turn ... move the magnet to the left and the needle moves to the left