What makes a compass spin

The flow of liquid iron generates electric currents, which product magnetic fields. At the same time, charged metals passing through these magnetic fields create electric currents of their own. This self-sustaining process is called the Geodynamo Theory. As with all magnets, a North Pole is attracted to a South Pole. However, charts of declination or local calibrations are used to ensure any travel is in the right direction.

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Because the Earth's magnetic North Pole attracts the "north" ends of other magnets, it is technically the "South Pole" of our planet's magnetic field. While a compass is a great tool for navigation, it doesn't always point exactly north. This is because the Earth's magnetic North Pole is not the same as "true north," or the Earth's geographic North Pole. The magnetic North Pole lies about 1, miles south of true north, in Canada. And making things even more difficult for the compass-wielding navigator, the magnetic North Pole isn't even a stationary point.

As the Earth's magnetic field changes, the magnetic North Pole moves. Stack Overflow for Teams — Collaborate and share knowledge with a private group. Create a free Team What is Teams? Learn more. Asked 5 years, 6 months ago. Active 3 years, 8 months ago. Viewed 5k times. Improve this question. Enns 6, 4 4 gold badges 23 23 silver badges 36 36 bronze badges. Is it only your building or is it a larger area?

When you say it "just spins" do you mean that it spins constantly in one direction, or that it wanders first one way, then the other How fast? Any compass worth carrying will be damped enough that it won't spin even one whole revolution unless something is spinning it. Add a comment. Active Oldest Votes.