Exploring magnetic resonance with a compass

TL;DR

This paper presents a simple, cost-effective tabletop experiment demonstrating magnetic resonance using a handheld compass in a magnetic field, aimed at enhancing education and understanding of complex physical phenomena.

Contribution

It introduces an accessible demonstration setup that visualizes magnetic resonance, making the concept more understandable for students and broad audiences.

Findings

Successful visualization of magnetic resonance with a compass

Accessible and inexpensive educational tool

Facilitates understanding of complex magnetic phenomena

Abstract

Magnetic resonance plays an important role in today's science, engineering, and medical diagnostics. Learning and teaching magnetic resonance is challenging since it requires advanced knowledge of condensed matter physics and quantum mechanics. Driven by the need to popularize this technologically impactful phenomenon, we develop an inexpensive table-top demonstration experiment. It unveils the magnetic resonance of a hand-held compass in the magnetic fields of a permanent magnet. The setup provides an immediate visualization of the underlying physical concepts and allows for their translation to broad student audiences.