Question: To make a compass, point an ordinary iron nail along the direction of Earth's magnetic field (which, in the Northern Hemisphere, is angled downward as

To make a compass, point an ordinary iron nail along the direction of Earth's magnetic field (which, in the Northern Hemisphere, is angled downward as well as northward) and repeatedly strike it for a few seconds with a hammer or a rock. Then suspend it at its center of gravity by a string. Why does the act of striking magnetize the nail?

Step by Step Solution

3.49 Rating (162 Votes )

There are 3 Steps involved in it

1 Expert Approved Answer
Step: 1 Unlock

Beating on the nail shakes up the domains allowing them to reali... View full answer

blur-text-image
Question Has Been Solved by an Expert!

Get step-by-step solutions from verified subject matter experts

Step: 2 Unlock
Step: 3 Unlock

Document Format (1 attachment)

Word file Icon

848-P-E-M-M-M (205).docx

120 KBs Word File

Students Have Also Explored These Related Electricity and Magnetism Questions!