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How does a magnetic compass help us find directions?

Class 6 ScienceNCERT chapter: Exploring Magnetsइसे हिंदी में पढ़ें

Exam-ready answer

A magnetic compass has a small magnetised needle pivoted so that it can rotate freely. Like any freely suspended magnet, the needle comes to rest in the north-south direction, with its north pole, usually painted red, pointing north. We turn the dial until its N mark lies under that end, and then read east, west and south.

Explanation

A compass is a small box with a glass cover. Inside, a thin magnetised needle sits on a pivot so that it can turn freely. Below the needle is a dial marked with the directions N, S, E and W. The north-pointing end of the needle is usually painted red so that it is easy to see.

The needle works because of a basic property of magnets: a freely suspended magnet always comes to rest along the north-south direction. So, wherever the compass is placed, the red end of the needle swings and settles pointing north, and the other end points south.

To find directions, place the compass flat and away from magnets or iron objects, which can pull the needle off course. Wait for the needle to stop, then rotate the box until the N on the dial is exactly under the red end. Now the dial shows all directions. Sailors and travellers have used compasses for centuries to find their way where no landmarks are visible.

Points to remember

  1. Magnetic compass: a device with a freely rotating magnetised needle used to find directions.
  2. The needle is a small magnet; it rests in the north-south direction like any freely suspended magnet.
  3. The north-pointing end of the needle is usually painted red.
  4. Rotate the dial until N lies under the red end, then read the other directions.
  5. Keep the compass away from magnets and iron objects, or it will show wrong directions.

Exam tip

Start with the property 'a freely suspended magnet rests in the north-south direction', then explain the steps of using the compass. A neat labelled sketch of the compass with N, S, E and W adds marks.

Questions students also ask

Why does a compass give a wrong reading near a magnet?
The compass needle is itself a magnet. A nearby magnet attracts or repels its poles, and an iron object attracts the needle. These forces pull the needle away from the north-south line, so it no longer points north correctly.
How can we make a simple compass at home?
Rub a sewing needle about 30 to 40 times along a bar magnet, always in one direction with the same pole, to magnetise it. Fix it on a small piece of cork or a leaf floating on still water in a bowl. It turns and settles in the north-south direction.
Who uses a magnetic compass?
Sailors at sea, pilots, soldiers, mountaineers and hikers use a compass, because in open oceans, deserts, forests or fog there may be no landmarks to show the way. The needle points north whatever the weather or time of day.

Chapter labels help you find the topic in your textbook. Check your own edition: chapter names and order can change. These are Know.it explanations, not official NCERT solutions.