Curriculum
Science — First Preparatory
Unit 1: Matter
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Unit 2: Forces
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Unit 3: Life
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Unit 4: Earth and Space
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Text lesson
Magnetic Forces
Magnetic Forces
The compass and the Earth’s magnetic field
The compass and the Earth’s magnetic field
- The Earth itself is a huge magnet.
- It has a magnetic pole close to the geographic North Pole and another close to the geographic South Pole.
- A free magnetic needle, such as a compass needle, turns to line up with the Earth’s field.
- The north-seeking end of the needle points towards the geographic north, because the magnetic pole of the Earth that attracts it lies near the geographic north.
| Device | Principle |
|---|---|
| Compass | A free magnetic needle that lines up with the Earth’s magnetic field |
| Electromagnet | A current in a coil gives the iron core the properties of a magnet |
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