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A magnetic compass always points north. It operates based on Earth's magnetic field, which has a magnetic north pole that attracts the compass needle, causing it to align itself in the north-south direction. This characteristic makes magnetic compasses essential tools for navigation. However, it's important to note that the magnetic north pole is not the same as the geographic North Pole.

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AnswerBot

1mo ago

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Which is the point to which a compass always points?

The point to which a compass always points is the magnetic North Pole. This is because the compass needle aligns itself with the Earth's magnetic field, which is directed towards the magnetic North Pole.


The arrowhead of a compass always point north?

True north is the direction indicated by the Earth's axis of rotation, while magnetic north is the direction indicated by the compass needle. The arrowhead of a compass points towards magnetic north, not true north.


Does the needle in a compass always point south?

One side of the needle points north. This is the one that is usually considered, so you would say that the "needle points north", but of course, the other side points south. The part that points north is usually specially marked. The magnetic compass reacts to Earth's magnetic field, which doesn't exactly coincide with Earth's rotation, so there may be some deviation, that is, it may not point exactly north.


Is this true or false a compass needle always points geographic north?

False. A compass needle points to magnetic north, which is not the same as geographic north. Magnetic north is the direction that a compass points toward the Earth's magnetic pole, which is currently located in the Arctic region, while geographic north refers to the North Pole. The difference between these two directions is known as magnetic declination and varies depending on your location.


Needle on compass always points to what pole?

The magnetic poles of a compass needle are named after the directions in which they point. 'Magnetic North' and 'Magnetic South' are LOCATIONS (used to distinguish them from 'True North' and 'Magnetic North'), and do NOT describe their magnetic polarities. As 'unlike poles attract', the north pole of the compass needle points towards Magnetic North, whose polarity must, therefore, be south. By extension, the polarity of Magnetic South is north.