E.3.2 Magnets and Compasses

Various magnets and compasses are available; the strongest magnets are the little ceramic magnets, these can be handed around to the class.
A piece of lodestone picks up small iron objects, or can be suspended so as to point north.
A large, strong bar magnet repels another held by braces and suspends it several inches in the air.
A permalloy rod, when placed parallel to the earth's magnetic field and struck with a hammer, will become magnetized. The rod can be demagnetized by placing it perpendicular to the earth's field and striking it again.
A small electromagnet operated from a battery will pick up nails, etc.
	A giant compass needle is useful for demonstrating the earth's magnetic field and for determining the north and south poles of various magnets.