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The compass needle is made of a small piece of magnetized steel, that in use aligns itself parallel with the lines of magnetic force at your location.
In the northern hemisphere, by and large, the N painted end of the needle will point towards the North Pole.
In the Southern Hemisphere, by and large, the S pole of the needle will point to the South Pole. (For it is the strongest there.)
Because the compass needle will follow the lines of force, and these lines dip into the earth, compasses designed for use in the N hemisphere will have a small counter balancing weight to bring the needle to level.
Analogously for compasses designed for use in the southern hemisphere.
For people who wish to use their compass anywhere on the Earth, (such as military) they will have a slightly insensitive needle, and a more massive plate or dial.
Having the dial (or card) immersed in a slightly viscous fluid will help steady the swinging of the needle.
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∙ 8y ago
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∙ 13y agoany type of metal but it is magnetized to make it point to the north
Wiki User
∙ 12y agoThe compass needle is made from a magnetized metal.
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoSteel because it retains its magnetism for long periods of time
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoit is better than other materials becaus the metal is stronger than other metals xxx
Wiki User
∙ 11y agoTraditionally the tip is iron, and the rest a non-ferrous material, but any metal that you can magnetize would work fine for the tip.
Wiki User
∙ 10y agoA type of metal that is attracted to land. that is why a compass works.
Wiki User
∙ 10y agoits made up of cloth and bear skin
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Does the black arrow on a compass point to the north or south?
It depends on a choice made by the person who made your compass; there's no universal standard. The easiest way to find out is to take the compass somewhere that you know which direction is north (at least to within 10 or 15 degrees), and see what way the arrow points.
Symbol on a map that shows direction?
The symbol known for showing direction on a map is called a compass rose. It consists of two lines which intersect at right angles, the tip of each having one of the letters showing direction, N, S, E, or W.
What a compass needle be made from?
Answer:A compass needle can be made from any ferrous metal that can be magnetized.
A is small drawing of arrows that shows directions on a map?
A compass rose shows the direction of north and other directions on the map.Such arrows usually mark the direction of magnetic, or true, or grid north, depending on the type of map used.
What is a directional compass?
a compass is a directional object made by the magnetic forces of the earth
Does the black arrow on a compass point to the north or south?
It depends on a choice made by the person who made your compass; there's no universal standard. The easiest way to find out is to take the compass somewhere that you know which direction is north (at least to within 10 or 15 degrees), and see what way the arrow points.
What is the arrow inside a compass called?
a needle
What will happen if you put a compass next to a electromagnet that is turnd on?
the arrow in the compass would point to the magnet
How do you use a map to correct magnetic declination?
Adjust the declination on your compass so the orienting arrow points to 10 degrees east. Dial zero degrees on your compass. With the direction-of-travel arrow pointed directly away from you, turn your body & compass in one motion until the redmagneticneedle overlays the orienting arrow.
What are the features of an compass?
North, South, Eater West. Nothest, Nothwest, Southeast, Southwest. The arrow. Compass rose.
A symbol on a map that sHow is direction?
Both a compass rose and a north arrow will show direction.
What happens when a compass is placed next to a electromagnet?
the arrow goes to the magnet
What was the first compass made out of?
the first compass was made from wood
Does the red arrow on a compass point to were i am?
Half of the needle is painted red to indicate the direction of North. The red orienting arrow is marked on the floor of the housing. It rotates with the housing when the dial is turned. You use it to orient a compass to a map.
What is the compass used for?
it is used for you to find north. the arrow that stays in a direction points north
How do compass' work?
The arrow in a compass is magnetic and is being pulled the magnetic force from the north pole. Hope it helped:) btw, I'm a fifth grader:) :)
What was the compass made out of?
The first compass was made out of cork and a piece of metal.
