Physics Review Question
Unit: type the regents category here
Year: 1997 Question#: 33
Question: The diagram below shows a compass placed near the north pole,
N, of a bar magnet. Which diagram best represents the position of the needle of the
compass as it responds to the magnetic field of the bar magnet?
What is this question really asking?
Explanation by: Kristina A
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Answer 1
INCORRECT
This answer is not correct because if we place this needle on the compass, the North pole
of the bar magnet is not attracting either side. We know the bar magnet has to attract
either the South or the North end of the needle. Try again. return to top
Answer 2
INCORRECT
This answer is not correct because if we place this needle on the compass, the North pole
of the bar magnet is not attracting either side. We know the bar magnet has to attract
either the South or the North end of the needle. Try again. return to top
Answer 3
INCORRECT
If you place this needle on the compass, the north pole would line up with the north pole
of the bar magnet. Like poles REPEL sothe north pole needle would NOT be ATTRACTED to the
north pole of the bar magnet. Try Again. return to top
Answer 4
CORRECT
Congratulations! You must have known that the South pole of the needle lines up with the
North pole of the bar magnet. This is because the OPPOSITE poles ATTRACT. The South and
North poles are OPPOSITE so they ATTRACT.
The other way to think about this would be to realize that magnetic fields point from
North pole to South pole on the magnet and the compass (by definition) points in the
direction of the magnetic field. return to top
What's this question really asking?
It asks whether you know the relationship between North and South Poles. You have to use
this knowledge to know that the South side of the needle lines up with the North side of
the magnetic bar.
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