Re: [Phys-L] problems with the physics regents

[Daniel L Macisaac <danmacisaac@me.com>]

we use the phrase "North seeking end of the compass needle" regularly when
working with our students, particularly those who took earth science, widely
taught in NY HS.

Dan MacIsaac, Associate Professor of Physics, SUNY-Buffalo State College
222SciBldg BSC, 1300 Elmwood Ave, Buffalo NY 14222 USA 1-716-878-3802
<macisadl@buffalostate.edu>  <http://PhysicsEd.BuffaloState.edu>
Physics Graduate Coordinator & NSF Investigator for ISEP (MSP) and Noyce

On Jun 14, 2012, at 6:38 AM, Chuck Britton wrote:

> This is STILL very confusing terminology.
> I haven't heard the 'North Pointing' label used in several decades.
>
> I decided to hang a bar magnet in the classroom to clear things up.
>
> There are WAY more bar magnets and compass needles in the world than there are worlds - so - the majority wins.
> As Paula Abdul tells us - Opposites Attract - so the earth's magnetic pole up where Santa Claus lives must be the South one.
>
> But - so far - there really aren't ANY magnetic (mono) poles anyway. The Right Hand Rule - rules.
>
> .
> At 9:23 PM -0500 6/13/12, brian whatcott wrote:
> > >
> > Ah, woe is me: I thought that the North-pointing end of the magnetic needle
> > points to the Magnetic north pole.
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