Lesson 3 of 6
The Earth’s magnetism
Goal: Explain how a compass works.
The Earth has a magnetic field. A compass needle is a small magnet that lines up with it.
- The Earth acts like a giant bar magnet. Its core acts as a magnet, so the Earth has a magnetic field all round it.
- A compass needle is a magnet that can turn freely. It lines up with the Earth’s field, so its north pole points north.
- A compass helps you navigate. Once you know which way is north, you can work out every other direction.
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Key words in this lesson
North pole The end of a magnet that points north when the magnet can turn freely
Magnetic field The space around a magnet where its magnetic force acts
Compass needle A small magnet that can turn freely and lines up with the Earth’s field
Core The piece of soft iron that a coil is wound round