Building a simple compass with a paper clip

You will need:

- inquisitive children - or adults ;)
- metal paperclip (important: not plastic!)
- a thin & long thread
- strong neodymium magnet e.g.:

Disc magnet Ø 20.0 x 10.0 mm neodymium N45 nickel-plated - holds 12.0 kg

How to do it:

1. tie the centre of the paperclip to a thread and then hang it up (e.g. on the edge of a table or on a wall).


2. now swipe the strong neodymium magnet over the clip a few times in the same direction.





3. Now let the clip hang freely. It will align itself in the direction of the North and South Poles.

4. The simplest compass in the world is ready








 

Explanation:

By brushing the strong neodymium magnet over the iron paper clip, you turn it into a magnet itself.
Our planet Earth is also a large magnet, which is created by electrical currents in the liquid iron inside the Earth. Migratory birds also orientate themselves to this magnetic field.
As magnets attract each other, the magnetic south pole of the earth is attracted to the magnetic north pole of your paper clip. This aligns the paper clip in this direction.