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magnetic poles



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