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Hornbein
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A compass needle can be magnetized to point to the north. Am I correct in thinking that the needle could have been magnetized to point to any other horizontal direction?
Right, this is what I had in mind.Ibix said:I don't see why you couldn't magnetize a piece of iron so that its field was not parallel to the long axis.
Yes, a compass needle can be magnetized to point in any horizontal direction. By exposing the needle to a strong magnetic field oriented in the desired direction, the needle's magnetic domains can be aligned accordingly.
The Earth's magnetic field exerts a force on the magnetized compass needle, causing it to align with the magnetic north and south poles. If the needle is magnetized in a different direction, it will experience a torque that tries to reorient it to align with the Earth's magnetic field.
Yes, a compass needle can be demagnetized by exposing it to a strong alternating magnetic field or by heating it to a high temperature (Curie point) where the material loses its magnetic properties.
Common methods to magnetize a compass needle include stroking it with a strong magnet, placing it in a coil with a direct current, or exposing it to a strong magnetic field in the desired direction.
A properly magnetized compass needle will align itself with the Earth's magnetic field, pointing towards the magnetic north. If it is magnetized in a different direction, it will not point to magnetic north until it is re-magnetized or allowed to realign with the Earth's magnetic field.