2006-08-17 07:24:53 · 3 answers · asked by Deepal Parekh 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Primary & Secondary Education
Any piece of iron can be magnetised to create a North pole at one end and a South pole at trhe other - just like the Earth.
The idea of magnetising a needle by stroking it with a lodestone came first and the induction of a remanent (persistent) magnetism later again.
A lodestone is a magnetic mineral mineral form of iron(II), iron(III) oxide Fe3O4, one of several iron oxides. A piece of intensely magnetic magnetite was used as an early form of magnetic compass.
Iron, steel and ordinary magnetite are attracted to a magnetic field, including the Earth's magnetic field.
The magnetised needle, when allowed to move freely, turns its North Pole towards the Earth's South Pole and vice-versa.
Based on this a Compass is built with the moving or floating Magnetic Needle and a dial - also showing East, West and the directions in between marked on the dial.
2006-08-17 07:46:57 · answer #1 · answered by bagsprosh 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a magnetic needle is made up of a particular type of rock that reacts with a magnetic layer of rock beneath Earth's crust. The rock beneath has a force pushing North and therefore the magneting needle points north. Tell me thats not worth 10 points.
2006-08-17 14:31:11 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Working? You mean why it aligns itself along the magnetic north-south?
2006-08-17 14:29:05 · answer #3 · answered by sonalfemme 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋