Description
The exhibit “Magnetic Fields” features a table with compass needles. Compass needles always point north due to the Earth’s invisible magnetic field. This exhibit demonstrates how the compass needles react to a magnet. When a magnet is nearby, the compass needles point in the direction of the magnetic field, which may not necessarily be north.
Navigation systems in cars utilize magnetic sensors to determine direction. Even smartphones contain magnetometers that assist in location determination. Similar to a traditional compass with a needle, your smartphone always knows where north is.
Research focuses on making magnetic sensors even more accurate and reliable. This technology could lead to better navigation aids for self-driving vehicles, for example.
Why can your phone or car navigate?
- Observe the direction in which the compass needles on the table are pointing.
- Take a magnet and place it on the table.
- What do you see?
