The Magnetic Compass from AGN Enterprises is a laboratory and educational instrument used to determine magnetic direction and demonstrate fundamental principles of magnetism. It contains a freely rotating magnetic needle that aligns approximately along the Earth’s magnetic field, providing a simple and effective way to study magnetic direction.
The compass is useful in physics laboratories, science classrooms, geography activities, engineering education, and magnetic-field experiments. It can also be used with magnets, current-carrying conductors, and other apparatus to demonstrate the effect of magnetic fields.
| Type | Size |
| a) | 50mm (2”) |
| b) | 75mm (3”) |
| c) | 100mm (4”) |
A Magnetic Compass operates using the Earth’s magnetic field. The magnetized needle is mounted so that it can rotate freely in a horizontal plane. When undisturbed, the needle aligns approximately along the Earth’s magnetic field, indicating the magnetic north-south direction.
When a magnet or magnetic field is brought near the compass, the needle changes its orientation. This makes the instrument particularly useful for demonstrating magnetic-field direction and magnetic interaction.
The instrument can be used for:
For example, students can place a compass near a bar magnet and observe how the needle changes direction at different positions. This provides a simple introduction to magnetic field lines and their direction.
The compass is especially useful in experiments involving magnetic fields and electric current. When positioned near a current-carrying conductor, the compass needle can experience a deflection due to the magnetic field produced by the current.
Consequently, students can observe the relationship between electric current and magnetism directly. The compass can also be used alongside bar magnets, horseshoe magnets, solenoids, and other magnetic apparatus.
A physical compass makes magnetic concepts easier to visualize. Students can observe the movement of the needle rather than relying solely on diagrams or theoretical explanations.
Furthermore, repeated experiments at different positions allow students to investigate changes in magnetic-field direction and develop practical skills in observation, measurement, and recording.
The Magnetic Compass is suitable for:
Before ordering, institutions should confirm the required compass size, needle sensitivity, housing construction, graduation, and intended experimental application.
AGN Enterprises supplies laboratory and educational equipment for schools, colleges, universities, research institutions, and scientific laboratories. The Magnetic Compass provides a simple and reusable instrument for teaching magnetism, magnetic fields, direction, and related physics concepts.
