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Date: Sat, 14 Feb 1998 04:16:22 -0500
From: "William J. Larson" <Bill_Larson@compuserve.com>
To: "INTERNET:phys-l@atlantis.uwf.edu" <phys-l@atlantis.uwf.edu>
Subject: magnetic poles
Message-ID: <199802140417_MC2-3343-E8F8@compuserve.com>
Message text written by INTERNET:phys-l@atlantis.uwf.edu
Doesn't this all become a non-issue if we say "The Earth's Magnetic Nort=h
Pole is a south-seeking pole"?<
Sure, but as I understand it, for centuries we have been using the
definition =
that "The north pole of a magnet points north (if it is free to do so)."
This is actually easier to remember and use unless you are analyzing the =
Earth's field instead of the magnet's. But more to the point, it's in
place and =
overturning it with its exact opposite would be very confusing and indeed=
impossible. I've never actually tried this with a magnet with its ends
marked
"N" and "S", but I think it's correct. If anyone has, especially if they=
have =
found the opposite, please post your observation.
Bill Larson
Geneva
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