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the compass needle is magnetized and aligns itself with Earth's magnetic field, which causes it to point north-south. This allows travelers to determine their direction accurately by observing the alignment of the compass needle with the Earth's magnetic field.

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1y ago

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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


Where does a compass point when it is moved close to a magnet?

That depends on which pole of the magnet it is moved close to. If it is brought close to the "South" pole of the magnet, the "North" pointer of the compass will be attracted to the magnet. If it is brought close to the "North" pole of the magnet, the "North" pointer of the compass will be repelled and will point AWAY from the magnet, while the "South" end of the compass pointer will point to the magnet.


Can you break a compass with a magnet?

In a compass box we have a small magnetic needle to which an aluminum pointer is attached at right angle. Since it has a magnetic piece, it has to respond to other magnets. In some boxes we have the pointer small in size is itself a magnet pivoted freely.


Is a compass a magnet?

Compass is a device which is used to see directions previously. Compass consists of a Magnet freely suspended . A free Magnet always shows Geographical North and Geographical South. So Compass consists of a Magnet and a Aluminium pointer showing east and West direction.


Why does a compass have lightweight magnet and frictionless bearing?

The pointer/magnet provides the opposite attractive force to align itself along the earth's magnetic field. The pointer/magnet must be lightweight so that it responds rapidly to turning, and so that it reduces friction from its weight as it rests on the supporting pin. The so-called "frictionless" bearing (the supporting pin) allows the compass pointer to spin freely in order to achieve said alignment with the earth's magnetic field. Low friction is necessary to allow the weak magnetic force on the pointer to overcome the friction between the pointer/magnet and the supporting pin.

Related Questions

Where does the pointer of a compass always point?

north


Does a radio alter a compass reading?

The pointer on a compass is magnetic. The speakers and transformers a radio put out magnetic fields that WILL deflect the direction that the pointer points. - wjs1632 -


What is the name of a compass needle?

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


What tool uses a magnetized pointer to show direction?

compass


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


Where does a compass point when it is moved close to a magnet?

That depends on which pole of the magnet it is moved close to. If it is brought close to the "South" pole of the magnet, the "North" pointer of the compass will be attracted to the magnet. If it is brought close to the "North" pole of the magnet, the "North" pointer of the compass will be repelled and will point AWAY from the magnet, while the "South" end of the compass pointer will point to the magnet.


Can you break a compass with a magnet?

In a compass box we have a small magnetic needle to which an aluminum pointer is attached at right angle. Since it has a magnetic piece, it has to respond to other magnets. In some boxes we have the pointer small in size is itself a magnet pivoted freely.


Is a compass a magnet?

Compass is a device which is used to see directions previously. Compass consists of a Magnet freely suspended . A free Magnet always shows Geographical North and Geographical South. So Compass consists of a Magnet and a Aluminium pointer showing east and West direction.


If you wanted to go southeast How would the compass be postitioned?

Assume for the sake of the illustration that the compass' N pointer is pointing to true north. Facing due south and holding the compass as you ordinarily would, the N pointer would be pointing straight to your spine. If you turn to the left by 45 degrees (to the south east) the N pointer will, relatively speaking, 'turn' to the left by 45 degrees; it will be pointing to your left side, or possibly right past you on the left.


Which compass is pointing in the correct direction?

The compass that accurately aligns its pointer with the Earth's magnetic field is pointing in the correct direction. This ensures that it provides accurate readings for navigation.


What pointing device allows you to control the pointer by moving the entire device around the desk?

compass


Why you use an array of pointer to pointer?

because u freakin can