Question

joe follows the procedure below to make a compass. 1. move a magnet from the top of a needle to its point fifty times. 2. lay the needle on a cork that is floating in a bowl of water. 3. observe the direction that the needle points. what is the purpose of step 1? ∘ to give the needle an electric charge ∘ to make the needle sharper ∘ to magnetize the needle ∘ to flatten the side of the needle

Explanation:

To determine the purpose of step 1, we analyze each option:

• Moving a magnet over a needle doesn't give it an electric charge (electric charge is different from magnetism), so the first option is incorrect.
• Moving a magnet won't make the needle sharper, so the second option is wrong.
• Moving a magnet along a needle is a common method to magnetize it (by aligning the magnetic domains in the needle), which is necessary for a compass (as a compass needle needs to be magnetic to align with Earth's magnetic field).
• Moving a magnet doesn't flatten the needle, so the fourth option is incorrect.

Answer:

to magnetize the needle