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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.

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How does a compass needle align itself?

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.


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.


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.


The needle of a compass points to what pole?

north pole Magnetic North PCH answer = Magnetic North


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.

Related Questions

What is the name of a compass needle?

The needle in a compass is typically called a magnetic needle or magnetic pointer.


What is the magnet in a compass?

The compass needle.


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.


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

If a magnetic compass needle is placed in a magnetic Field , its needle deflects and points in the north and south directions


How does a compass needle respond when a compass is placed with a magnetic field?

If a magnetic compass needle is placed in a magnetic Field , its needle deflects and points in the north and south directions


What a compass needle be made from?

Answer:A compass needle can be made from any ferrous metal that can be magnetized.


Is it possible to use compass needle at the poles?

Yes it is possible to use compass needle at the poles


Which way does a compass needle usually point?

The needle, or "pointer", of a compass will always point North. See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compass


What is the moveable bar in a compass called?

The movable bar in a compass is called the compass needle. It is typically a thin magnetized bar that aligns with the Earth's magnetic field to indicate direction.


What is an navigational tool with a needle?

A navigational tool with a needle is a compass because it helps you to navigate which is cosidered as a tool. A compass has a needle inside to point which way is north. There is your answer :)


What feature of the Earth makes a compass needle point north?

What features of the earth makes a compass needle point north


What direction does the magnetic needle of a compass point to?

The magnetic needle of a compass points towards the Earth's magnetic North Pole.