# A student places a plotting compass near a bar magnet. Explain what happens to the compass needle and why, as the student moves the compass from a position far away from the magnet to a position close to one of its poles.

> WJEC GCSE Physics (Wales) — 2.5 Magnetism and electromagnetism · Explain · 4 marks

> A bar magnet has a north pole at one end and a south pole at the other. A small plotting compass contains a magnetised needle that can rotate freely.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. The compass needle is deflected / rotates / aligns when near the magnet
2. The bar magnet produces a magnetic field around it
3. The compass needle lines up along / points in the direction of the magnetic field at that position
4. The closer the compass is to the pole, the stronger the magnetic field, so the deflection / alignment is more pronounced / happens more strongly

## Key terms

- [compass needle](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/compass-needle)
- [pole](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/pole)

## Related

- [Revision notes for WJEC GCSE Physics (Wales)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/a-student-places-a-plotting-compass-885a4535) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.