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A compass has a needle that is magnetized. This needle is suspended so that it can rotate freely and it can align itself with any magnetic field it is exposed to.

If you put a magnet close to a compass, the needle will align itself with the magnets magnetic field.
It picks up the earth's magnetic field.

answer 2 A magnetic compass needle aligns itself with the lines of magnetic force at your locality.
It picks up the earth's magnetic field.

answer 2 A magnetic compass needle aligns itself with the lines of magnetic force at your locality.

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How does a compass needle move when it is placed in a magnetic field?

A compass needle aligns itself with the magnetic field lines and points toward the magnetic north pole. The north-seeking end of the needle is attracted to the Earth's magnetic south pole, causing it to move and orient itself accordingly.


How would a southern hemisphere compass differ from a northern hemisphere compass?

The Southern Hemisphere compass will naturally align it self with the South Poleanswer 2 A compass designed to work in the southern hemisphere will have the needle/card balanced differently, for in the S hemisphere the S pole will cause the compass to dip slightly - and opposite to the northern hemisphere.The compass manufacturers divide the Earth into five zones for balance. Some folk need a compass that is insensitive to this effect, (e.g. Army) and for this they choose to have the needle a smaller part of the weight balanced on the pivot, and have a liquid filled compass.Regarding the first sentence above, the compass needle actually aligns itself with the lines of magnetic force at your location - which will still result in a N - S alignment.


How does a compass tell direction?

A compass works by aligning itself with Earth's magnetic field. The needle inside the compass is magnetized and points towards the magnetic north pole. By following the direction the needle points, you can determine which way is north.


What is a compass needle?

The 'north pole' of a compass is so-called because it points approximately towards the earth's True North. It actually points to a location we call 'Magnetic North' which is several hundred miles away from True North. The reason it does so is because the magnetic polarity of this location is a south pole.


What is the main purpose of the orienteering lines on a compass?

The orienteering lines on a compass are used to align the compass with a map grid in order to determine direction accurately. They help orient the compass needle with the map's north-south grid lines, allowing for precise navigation.

Related Questions

How would the compass respond when you turn on the current in this scenario?

The compass needle would align itself with the direction of the current flow.


What is compass housing?

A compass housing is the frame within which a compass needle turns. The housing provides a stationary mechanical reference and also a protective enclosure within which the compass needle can pivot to align itself with the earth's magnetic field.


How does a compass needle align its self?

The compass needle is magnetic, so it aligns itself with the magnetic poles. For more information on magnetic fields, see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnetic_field


What happens when a compass is brought into a magnetic field?

When a compass is brought into a magnetic field, the needle of the compass will align itself with the magnetic field lines. This is because the needle is a magnet itself and is influenced by the magnetic field of the Earth or any external magnetic field it is brought into.


What is the name of the line which a compass align?

A needle


What will happen if you place a small compass in a magnetic field?

When a small compass is placed in a magnetic field, the needle of the compass will align itself with the direction of the magnetic field. This is because the needle is magnetized and responds to the magnetic forces in the surrounding area.


What would happen if you put magnet next to a compass?

The compass needle would be affected by the magnetic field from the nearby magnet. The needle would align itself with the magnetic field of the magnet, causing the compass to point in a direction different from true north.


What happens when a compass is brought closer to a magnet?

When a compass is brought closer to a magnet, the compass needle will align itself with the magnetic field of the magnet. This alignment occurs because the magnetic field of the compass interacts with the magnetic field of the magnet, causing the needle to point towards the magnet.


Why does a compass needle change direction when it is near a magnetic field?

Because of the magnetic force. The compass needle is also magnetic.Because of the magnetic force. The compass needle is also magnetic.Because of the magnetic force. The compass needle is also magnetic.Because of the magnetic force. The compass needle is also magnetic.


Infer what characteristic of a compass needle accounts for your observation of the compass and the magnet?

The characteristic of magnetism in the compass needle allows it to align itself with the Earth's magnetic field, indicating the North and South poles. This alignment enables the compass needle to point towards the magnetic North pole of the Earth when used with a magnet.


What material is a compass made from?

A compass is typically made from a magnetized needle mounted on a pivot. The needle is often made of magnetized steel or other ferrous material that can align itself with the Earth's magnetic field. The housing of the compass may be made from materials such as plastic or metal.


Why does a compass needle deflect in a magnetic field?

A compass needle is lightly magnetized, and will align itself with the lines of magnetic force at your locale. *It will not necessarily point to the Poles. The South magnetic pole is currently at about 68 deg S - some long way from 90 deg.