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Compasses point north due to the Earth's magnetic field, which has a magnetic north pole near the geographic North Pole. The needle of a compass is a small magnet that aligns itself with the magnetic field lines of the Earth, causing it to point toward magnetic north. This phenomenon allows navigators to determine direction reliably, as the magnetic field is relatively stable and consistent across the planet.

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1mo ago

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Which of following is true of compasses?

A compass has both a south pole and a north pole :)


What are facts about compasses?

A compass uses magnetic fields to direct the needle which points north. From this we derive South or East or west.add. In detail, your compass knows nothing of the Earth's North or South (magnetic) Poles. It aligns itself with the lines of magnetic force at your locality.megnate in compass oppose the megnate of the earth.


Which is the following is true about compasses?

Compasses are navigational instruments that use a magnetic needle to indicate the direction of magnetic north. They work based on the Earth's magnetic field, allowing users to determine their orientation relative to cardinal directions. Compasses are essential tools for navigation in various contexts, including hiking, sailing, and orienteering. However, they can be influenced by nearby magnetic fields or metallic objects, which may affect their accuracy.


When does the sun reach its farthest north point in the sky in the northern hemisphere?

The sun reaches its farthest north point in the sky during the summer solstice, which occurs around June 21st in the northern hemisphere. This is when the North Pole is tilted closest to the sun, causing the sun to appear at its highest point in the sky.


What is a gyro compass?

A gyro compass is a type of non-magnetic compass that uses a gyroscope to find true north, rather than magnetic north. It operates on the principles of angular momentum and gyroscopic inertia, allowing it to maintain a stable reference to the Earth's rotation. Gyro compasses are commonly used in marine navigation, aviation, and by ships and submarines, as they are unaffected by magnetic fields and provide accurate heading information. Unlike traditional magnetic compasses, gyro compasses require electrical power and can take some time to stabilize after being powered on.

Related Questions

What direction do compasses point in the southern hemisphere?

In the Southern Hemisphere, compasses still point towards magnetic north. The difference is that magnetic north is located in the Northern Hemisphere, so compasses in the Southern Hemisphere will point in a northerly direction.


Compasses always point toward geographic south?

No. If you are talking about magnetic compasses, they are aligned with the Earth's magnetic field, which is not exactly north-south (depending where on the Earth you are located). There are, however, special compasses that make use of the Earth's rotation; those will point north-south, regardless of the magnetic field.No. If you are talking about magnetic compasses, they are aligned with the Earth's magnetic field, which is not exactly north-south (depending where on the Earth you are located). There are, however, special compasses that make use of the Earth's rotation; those will point north-south, regardless of the magnetic field.No. If you are talking about magnetic compasses, they are aligned with the Earth's magnetic field, which is not exactly north-south (depending where on the Earth you are located). There are, however, special compasses that make use of the Earth's rotation; those will point north-south, regardless of the magnetic field.No. If you are talking about magnetic compasses, they are aligned with the Earth's magnetic field, which is not exactly north-south (depending where on the Earth you are located). There are, however, special compasses that make use of the Earth's rotation; those will point north-south, regardless of the magnetic field.


What property do compasses use?

They use the fact that the earth acts as a giant magnet so that compasses point towards the north pole.


Why do magnet compasses not point exactly north?

because of the earth's magnetic core


What makes compasses point to the North pole?

Magnetism. The compass aligns with the magnetic field of the Earth.


What are the different kinds of compasses available on the market today?

There are three main types of compasses available on the market today: magnetic compasses, digital compasses, and gyrocompasses. Magnetic compasses use a magnetized needle to point towards the Earth's magnetic north. Digital compasses use sensors to determine direction and display it digitally. Gyrocompasses use a spinning gyroscope to find true north regardless of magnetic interference.


What would happen if the magnetic north and south poles were to switch places today?

Compasses would point south instead of north.


What is the meaning of north?

north is a derection that witch a point would be


Where are Magnetic poles are strongest?

It is north of the equator by Greenland, why do you think compasses always point north? It's because Greenland has a lot of magnetic occurences in that area and since it has so much magnetic occurence, the compass will always be pointing there


What are the two areas on Earth where a compass will point at true north?

The two areas are the North Magnetic Pole and the Geographic North Pole. Compasses will point toward true north at these locations because they align with the Earth's axis.


Do compasses use electromagnets?

Yes, compasses use a magnetic needle that aligns with the Earth's magnetic field. The needle itself is not an electromagnet, but it relies on the Earth's magnetic field to point towards the magnetic north pole.


What are the different types of compasses available for navigation and outdoor activities?

There are three main types of compasses used for navigation and outdoor activities: magnetic compasses, digital compasses, and lensatic compasses. Magnetic compasses use a magnetized needle to point towards the Earth's magnetic north. Digital compasses use sensors to determine direction and often have additional features like GPS. Lensatic compasses are more advanced and have a sighting lens for more accurate readings.