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To the Magnetic North - not True North
The needle of a compass points toward the magnetic North (in varying degrees of accuracy), because the line of the compass aligns itself to the Earth's magnetic lines. Despite popular belief, the North Pole is not necessary coincident or synonymous with magnetic north. The earth's magnetic field has, over the history of the planet, shifted, causing the magnetic North to be situated in places other than what is known as the North Pole.
the needle of a compass points north and south pole thank u vary much
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∙ 14y ago
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What pole does the needle on a compass always point to?
the north pole
Why do the magnets of a compass attract to the north pole but the bars repel?
A compass will always point to the south pole of a magnet.
What way will a compass point in Uruguay?
the compass would point north because it Always points north unless you are at the north pole. :)
Does the magnetic compass always point in a northern direction when placed on the earth?
No. The true north pole and the magnetic north pole are in different locations. The compass will point at the magnetic north pole. If you happened to be somewhere between the two north poles, the compass will point exactly backwards!
Where does a compass always point?
To the North or South magetic pole. (Depending on which hemisphere you are.)
How can the polarity of a magnet be determined?
Use a compass. It will always point to a magnet's south pole.
How do you know that the compass point at north always?
Because of the Magnetic North Pole, a point on the Earth's Northern Hemisphere
Is there ever a time when your compass will not point north?
Your compass will always point to the earth's north magnetic pole. That spot is about 940 miles from the real north Pole. Your compass only points to real north if you happen to be on the extension of the line that joins the two spots. Anywhere else, your compass points to one side or the other of the real north Pole.
The needle on a compass is always pointing to what pole?
The north pole.
Does a compass point to the geographic north pole?
No. The compass needle points toward the magnetic north pole.
Why does a compass point the way it does?
A compass point is lightly magnetised and is attracted the the magnetic north pole, so provided there are no other stronger magnets nearby the compass will always point north, and knowing where north is you can then work out all the other directions.
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.
