Question

How does a compass indicate that it senses a stronger magnet (more magnets)? What does the compass do differently in the presence of multiple magnets (or magnetized nails) compared to just one magnet or nail?

a) The needle points north with greater stability in the presence of multiple magnets.
b) The needle becomes less responsive to magnetic fields with more magnets.
c) The needle exhibits erratic behavior when exposed to multiple magnets.
d) The needle aligns perfectly with the magnetic field in the presence of more magnets.

Answer 1

A compass needle exhibits erratic behavior when exposed to multiple magnets due to conflicting magnetic fields, leading the needle to align inconsistently.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a compass is exposed to multiple magnets, rather than indicating a stronger sense of direction, it generally exhibits erratic behavior due to the conflicting magnetic fields of the multiple magnets. If compass needles are near one pole of a magnet, they will align themselves so that the opposite pole of the needle is closest to that pole of the magnet. In the presence of multiple magnets, or magnetized nails, the magnetic fields can interfere with each other, which can cause the compass needle to become confused and behave erratically. Hence, the correct response to the student's question is that c) The needle exhibits erratic behavior when exposed to multiple magnets.