Magnetic fields
2 marks · EasyExplain what happens to the direction of a plotting compass needle as it is moved around a bar magnet.
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The compass needle points along the magnetic field line at its position, changing direction as it moves. It always points from the magnet's north pole to its south pole.
Also accept: It follows the direction of the magnetic field lines.; It points from north to south outside the bar magnet.
Common mistakes: States needle stays in same direction; Says needle points to magnet
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Marking points
B1 · 1 mark · States that the compass needle points along the magnetic field line.
B1 · 1 mark · States that as the compass is moved around, the direction changes from north to south.
Worked solution
The compass needle always lines up with the magnetic field line at its position. As you move it, it changes direction to follow the field, always pointing from north to south.