Question

Why does a compass needle move when it is near a magnet?


it becomes magnetic when it's near a permanent magnet


it is a tiny magnet itself


it's scared of the magnet

Answer 1

The reason a compass needle moves when it is near a magnet is that **it is a tiny magnet itself**. A compass needle is essentially a small bar magnet that is free to rotate. When it comes into the vicinity of a larger magnet, the magnetic field of the larger magnet exerts a torque on the compass needle, causing it to align itself with the magnetic field lines. This alignment results in the needle pointing towards the magnet, which is why it moves. The needle does not become magnetic in the presence of the permanent magnet; rather, its own magnetic properties are influenced by the external magnetic field. The idea that it is "scared" of the magnet is not a scientific explanation.