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How does a compass needle respond when a compass is placed within a magnetic field?

User C Snover
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2 Answers

6 votes

It aligns in a direction parallel to the field

User Ganesh H
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3 votes

Answer:

It point outs the magnetic poles of the magnetic field by aligning itself

Step-by-step explanation:

The needle of the compass is a small magnet with a north and south magnetic poles. Now when compass is placed in a magnetic field , its needle will try to align itself in a way such that magnetic poles of the needle points the respective opposite pole of the magnetic field.

Therefore , the alignment of magnetic needle of compass shows the following -

a) North of the magnetic needle of compass - shows the south pole of the magnetic field

b) South of the magnetic needle of compass - shows the North pole of the magnetic field

User Wagner Leonardi
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