Chapter 7, Problem 5STP

To determine

To explain: The orientation of a compass needle when placed at position 2 of the given diagram.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

In a magnetic material, the magnetic poles of a group of atoms, point in the same direction. These groups of atoms are called magnetic domain.

A compass needle is a made from a magnet.The compass needle spins when placed in a magnetic field. Since the magnetic field exerts a force on the compass needle, the needle spins until it points in the direction of the magnetic field. The north pole of the compass needle points towards the south pole of the magnet. Since the south pole of all the domain in the given figure points at position 2, the compass needle will point north at that position.

Conclusion:

Option D illustrates the orientation of the compass needle when placed at position 2: