In this science experiment we will be making a compass with a simple steel sewing needle, by magnetising it:
Topics covered
Magnetism, Detergent, Magnetic North, True North
What will I need?
THIN PIECE OF STYROFOAM
KNITTING NEEDLE
STICKY TAPE
CARDBOARD
MAGNET
DETERGENT
GLASS OF WATER
Procedure (Method)
Unfortunately, this section is only available in the e-book version of the project.
How does it work?
Unfortunately, this section is only available in the e-book version of the project.
A Magnet is a metal object that attracts pieces of ferrous (metal) objects. Magnets always have a north and a south pole and the opposite poles always attract each other while the same (equal) poles will repel each other. The compass works because the Earth behaves like a gigantic magnet. One end of the earth’s magnet lies near the earth’s north pole and the other at the south pole. These ends of the ‘earth’s magnet’ attract the ends of the needle so that it orientates itself North / South.
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