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GCSE Physics · key term
A small compass used to investigate the direction of a magnetic field at a particular position.
Used by AQA, Edexcel and OCR
Specification 4.7.1.2 · Paper 2
A small, freely turning compass used to find the direction of a magnetic field at different positions.
Revise: Magnetic fieldsA plotting compass contains a tiny bar magnet that turns until it lies along the field. Its north-seeking end points in the field’s direction. To map a bar magnet’s field, place the magnet on a sheet of paper and draw around it so its position is recorded.
Specification 12.5 · Paper 2
Iron filings show the field pattern, but a plotting compass is needed to find its direction.
Iron filings reveal the field pattern, but plotting compasses are needed to determine its direction.
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A small compass used to find the direction of a magnetic field at a particular position.
A plotting compass contains a small magnetic needle that can turn freely. When it settles, its north-seeking end points along the magnetic field at that position. The compass therefore gives one local direction, rather than showing an entire field line at once.
Specification P4.1c, P4.1e · Paper 1 (Foundation), Paper 3 (Higher)
A small compass used to investigate a magnetic field by showing its direction at different positions.
Revise: Magnetic fieldsA small plotting compass lets us test the direction at a particular point. Its needle is a tiny magnet that turns to line up with the field. The direction in which the needle’s north-seeking end points is the direction of the field there.
A small compass used to identify the direction of a magnetic field at a particular position.
Paper 1, Paper 2
Revise: Magnetic Effect of an Electric CurrentA nearby plotting compass experiences a force and turns, providing visible evidence of this magnetic effect of a current.