0
One side of the needle points north. This is the one that is usually considered, so you would say that the "needle points north", but of course, the other side points south. The part that points north is usually specially marked.
The magnetic compass reacts to Earth's magnetic field, which doesn't exactly coincide with Earth's rotation, so there may be some deviation, that is, it may not point exactly north.
Wiki User
∙ 13y ago
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
Why does the compass point north in the southern hemisphere?
The direction of magnetic flux or lines of force is from north polarity to south polarity, and a compass needle will always align with that direction, wherever it is used. Since the magnetic polarity of the location we call Magnetic North is a south, a compass needle will point in that direction.
What does the painted point of a compass always always point North?
The painted end of the compass needle is magnetized. That magnetism is drawn toward the earth's magnetic field, which is to the north.AnswerA compass needle is a tiny magnet, with a north pole and a south pole. These poles are named after the direction in which they point, so the 'painted end' (north) of a compass needle points north because the needle aligns itself with the earth's magnetic field. Magnetic North is the name given to a location, close to True North, whose magnetic polarity is south -which is whyit attracts the north pole of the compass needle.
Where does compass point if current is North?
If you are standing on the magnetic north pole, the needle will want to point down. If you are standing on the geographical North Pole, the needle will point South. From the North Pole, every direction is "South"!
At which end of a compass needle is there a north pole?
The red or pointy end of the needle is really the magnetic north pole, it will always point to the south pole of a bar magnet. Confusion occurs because the geographic north pole is really the earth's magnetic south pole.
Why do the ends of a compass needle point north and south?
they're magnetically charged and therefore attracted to the North Pole
Where will a compass point if you face south?
If you point the north side of the compass away from you the compass will point south. Because the needle always points north (magnetism).
What can be used for a compass?
a freely suspended magnetic needle as it will always point to the north - south direction
Why does the compass point north in the southern hemisphere?
The direction of magnetic flux or lines of force is from north polarity to south polarity, and a compass needle will always align with that direction, wherever it is used. Since the magnetic polarity of the location we call Magnetic North is a south, a compass needle will point in that direction.
Determine the direction in which a compass needle will point when held above a wire with positive charges moving west?
The compass needle will point north-south.
What does the painted point of a compass always always point North?
The painted end of the compass needle is magnetized. That magnetism is drawn toward the earth's magnetic field, which is to the north.AnswerA compass needle is a tiny magnet, with a north pole and a south pole. These poles are named after the direction in which they point, so the 'painted end' (north) of a compass needle points north because the needle aligns itself with the earth's magnetic field. Magnetic North is the name given to a location, close to True North, whose magnetic polarity is south -which is whyit attracts the north pole of the compass needle.
Does the compass always point north in Antarctica?
You would think so, but no.The South Pole and the South Magnetic Pole -- compass magnets -- are substantially different, they are about 2,700 km apart.The South Pole is at 90 degrees S latitude, and the South Magnetic Pole is at about 64.7 degrees S latitude and 139.9 E longitude which puts it about 110 km off the Antarctic continent towards Australia.Another AnswerA compass needle always aligns itself with the earth's magnetic field. It doesn't matter where the compass is located, it will always align with that field. So one end of the compass needle will always point in the general direction of North while the opposite end will always point in the general direction of South.
A needle on a compass always point to what pole?
The North Pole.Another AnswerA compass needle points to the location called 'Magnetic North', named to distinguish it from 'True North'. Magnetic North is several hundred miles away from True North.
Why does a compass needle point in the north and south direction?
Because of the magnetic pull of the north and south pole.
Where does a compass needle point point to?
if your facing north, the compass needle will point to the N on you compass, along with south (S), west (W) and east (E). also, northeast(NE), southeast(SE), northwest (NW), southwest(SW).AnswerA compass points to the location called Magnetic North.
How does a compass needle respond when a compass needle is placed within a magnetic field?
A compass needle, as well as everything else on Earth, is ALWAYS within a magnetic field. If the compass needle is free to turn, it will align itself with the magnetic field, and point along the north/south axis of the field. If another magnetic field source appears near the compass ... such as a current-carrying electrical conductor, or a toy magnet in somebody's pocket ... whose field strength is comparable to the Earth's, then the compass will deflect, and realign itself along the north/south axis of the SUM of the fields.
Where does compass point if current is North?
If you are standing on the magnetic north pole, the needle will want to point down. If you are standing on the geographical North Pole, the needle will point South. From the North Pole, every direction is "South"!
Why does south pole of the compass always point to the north while north pole always points to the south?
Like magnetic poles repel, unlike magnetic poles attract. So the magnetic south and magnetic north of two bar magnets will attract. Therefore, though the compass needle points towards the magnetic north, it is actually the magnetic south pole of the compass needle that is pointing towards the magnetic north.
