How does a magnetic compass work? Well, it’s all down to basic physics and human ingenuity. The key component of a standard baseplate compass is its magnetized needle, which is allowed to spin freely ...

There are organisms that can use the magnetic field of the earth to navigate, including animals like honey bees and migratory birds, and some bacteria. Scientists have now learned more about how a ...

If shrunken down to micron size, a compass needle could wobble. (Courtesy: iStockphoto/tobias machhaus) A tiny magnetic needle just 10 μm long could be used to create a magnetic-field sensor that – if ...

Earth is surrounded by a magnetic field generated by electric currents from within the planet. Compasses take advantage of this field to identify north and serve as a navigational aid. But one social ...

At some point during our primary school careers, most of us probably constructed a simple compass, often by floating a magnetized needle on a cork in a cup of water. The water in such a configuration ...

Compasses were the trusted companions of sailors, explorers, and travelers for centuries, offering a simple way to find north. A small magnetized needle is set on a tiny pivot, allowing it to move and ...

A magnet (It can be a flat refrigerator magnet or a more powerful magnet, such as a rare earth magnet—the most common type is made of neodymium—which can be purchased at many hardware stores. A ...

Here's how to make a magnetic compass that points north using the amazing invisible force of magnetism. And there are only a few things that we need:A long large needle, a piece of cork carefully ...

Here's how to make a magnetic compass that points north using the amazing invisible force of magnetism. And there are only a few things that we need:A long large needle, a piece of cork carefully ...