Finding Directions

Another great property of a magnet is that it can prove extremely helpful in navigating directions. This is because a freely suspended magnet always points in the North-South direction.

This property of magnet is used to make a compass. A magnetic needle is placed inside a box with directions marked on it. It is allowed to rotate freely so that when the compass is kept at the position of rest, the needle points towards the north and south direction.

Related Topic Name

Magnetic and non-magnetic materials
Poles of magnet
Make your own magnet
Attraction and repulsion between magnets