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Page 3
Investigating Magnetic Forces & Force Fields:
Building A Compass: Test Your Understanding
(student handout)
Name: Class: Date:
1. Which material made the most effective compass needle? How do you know?
Materials with iron serve as better magnets.
2. What is the difference between a temporary magnet and a permanent magnet?
What served as a temporary magnet during our experiment? A permanent one?
• A permanent magnet is one that retains its magnetic properties for a long period of time.
Temporary magnets are those that simply act like permanent magnets when they are
within a strong magnetic field.
• Temporary magnet: our compass needle materials
• Permanent magnet: our bar magnet
3. What turned our compass needle towards the direction of North?
The Earth's magnetic field lines that came out of the Magnetic North Pole attracted the
compass needle.
4. Why does a compass needle attract to the Earth's Magnetic North Pole?
Because the needle itself is a south pole and opposite poles of a magnet attract.
