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At either of the magnetic poles, the lines of force enter the planet, so the compass needle will attempt to point straight downward. Due to minor fluctuations, some compasses will spin or pivot about.

Near either geographic pole, compasses will still point toward the magnetic pole, which may be north, south, east, or west of the user's position.

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Q: What direction does a compass needle point when close to north pole?
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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.


How does a plotting compass work?

A plotting compass contains a small magnet on a needle that moves with almost no friction. Assuming there isn't another magnet nearby to interfere with the magnetic waves, the magnet in the compass will always point north, in the direction of the Magnetic North, which is very close to the North Pole.


What would a compess point to if you were at the north pole?

If you are at the North pole, the north point of the magnetic needle in the compass will tilt a little downwards, and the south pole of the compass needle will tilt upwards. If you hold the compass in a direction vertically perpendicular to the surface of the Earth, the needle will align itself like the earth's magnetic field, as if it were a huge bar magnet, the north part of the needle facing upwards.


What is the angle between the geographic North Pole and the direction in which a compass needle points is called magnetic?

Magnetic declination

Related questions

What direction is a red needle attracted to in a compass?

north


What direction does the magnetic compass point to?

the needle should point north unless your are close to another magnetic object which could interrupt it.


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.


Which describes how a compass works?

. The south magnetic pole of the compass points to Earth's north magnetic pole.


What is the purpose for a needle on a compass?

to point the right direction ***correction by cw - the needle always points north.


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.


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.


Why does a compass needle point in the north and south direction?

Because of the magnetic pull of the north and south pole.


How does a plotting compass work?

A plotting compass contains a small magnet on a needle that moves with almost no friction. Assuming there isn't another magnet nearby to interfere with the magnetic waves, the magnet in the compass will always point north, in the direction of the Magnetic North, which is very close to the North Pole.


What can be used for a compass?

a freely suspended magnetic needle as it will always point to the north - south direction


What is a compass?

A compass is an instrument for determining direction consisting essentially of a freely suspended magnetic needle that points toward the magnetic north.


Why a compass needle not point to the geographic north pole?

maby the compass has lost its magnetism or you ar close to metal or a magnent