To the magnetic north pole
The compass needle is attracted by the Earth's magnetic field.
The pole of the compass that is attracted to the earth's magnetic north pole must be a south magnetic pole. But here's the thing. In the compass, the south magnetic pole of the needle is marked "N" because that end of the compass needle points to earth's magnetic north. The only way the needle can point to earth's magnetic north is if that end of the needle, the one marked with an "N" on it, is a magnetic south pole. It almost seems counter intuitive, but think it through and it will become clear.
The pole of the compass that is attracted to the earth's magnetic north pole must be a south magnetic pole. But here's the thing. In the compass, the south magnetic pole of the needle is marked "N" because that end of the compass needle points to earth's magnetic north. The only way the needle can point to earth's magnetic north is if that end of the needle, the one marked with an "N" on it, is a magnetic south pole. It almost seems counter intuitive, but think it through and it will become clear.
North pole. The north pole of a compass needle has "S" on it, and the south pole of the needle has "N" on it. Opposites attract, similar poles repel.
If a magnetic compass needle is placed in a magnetic Field , its needle deflects and points in the north and south directions
If a magnetic compass needle is placed in a magnetic Field , its needle deflects and points in the north and south directions
If a magnetic compass needle is placed in a magnetic Field , its needle deflects and points in the north and south directions
The magnetized needle of a compass is attracted to the Earth's own magnetic field which has magnetic poles at the North and South.
The needle on a compass points to the North Magnetic Pole. CommentA compass points to Magnetic North, not to the north magnetic pole. They are two different things -the first is location, the second is magnetic polarity.
The needle of a compass is a magnet, and the earth is also a magnet. The side of the compass marked N is attracted to the north pole of the Earth, and the side marked S is attracted to Earth's south pole. The compass will spin to line itself up with the poles it is attracted to. However, if you have other magnets nearby, the compass can spin to line itself up with those instead.
No, the magnetic needle in a northern hemisphere compass is attracted to the Earth's magnetic North Pole, while in a southern hemisphere compass, it is attracted to the South Pole. This means that compasses designed for each hemisphere will have their markings and adjustments oriented accordingly.
The compass needle is magnetic so has a north pole and a south pole. North attracts north and south attracts south so the compass needle points to the north pole (you could say it - the other end- points to the south pole too).