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Compass and Magnetism
Physics

Compass and Magnetism

The purpose of the experiment is to show how a compass aligns under the action of an external magnetic field.

10–20 min
Magnetism
compass; terrestrial magnetism; magnetic north

What students learn

  • North and south poles
  • Magnetic compass

The science behind this experiment

North and south poles exert mutually attractive forces as the alignment of a compass under the action of a magnetic field clearly demonstrates. In this case the south pole of the magnet attracts the north of our compass.

Equipment used

  • U Shaped Magnet (with keeper) — 4611.71
  • Demonstration compass — 4614.50

Chemicals and reagents

Safety notes

Questions for students

What to expect

Disposal

Run this experiment in your classroom

This experiment is part of the ATP Mobile Lab — a self-contained laboratory that turns an ordinary classroom into a working science lab, with over 200 experiments in physics, chemistry, biology, robotics and engineering. Gali, the AI tutor built into ATP Connect, guides students through each step and answers their questions at the bench.

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