Why Does the Compass Turn Right? Solve the Mystery!

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    Compass Mystery
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A compass needle turns in response to magnetic fields, aligning with the direction of the magnetic force applied to it. If a magnetic field other than Earth's is introduced, the needle will move toward that field's direction, not necessarily to the right. The statement that it turns right is misleading unless the magnetic influence specifically causes that movement. Some participants considered the Coriolis Effect, but it does not apply to compass behavior in this context. Understanding the interaction between the compass and external magnetic fields clarifies the needle's movement.
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Homework Statement


Why does the compass turn right when a magnetic field other than the Earth is applied?
This has been bugging me for a while, does anyone know the answer to this question?

Thanks a lot :p

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The Attempt at a Solution


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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
 


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

Ok... Thanks :p.

I thought at first that, even though the magnetic field is radial it would have to do something with Coriolis Effect.
 

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