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The compass needle is made of a small piece of magnetized steel, that in use aligns itself parallel with the lines of magnetic force at your location.

In the northern hemisphere, by and large, the N painted end of the needle will point towards the North Pole.

In the Southern Hemisphere, by and large, the S pole of the needle will point to the South Pole. (For it is the strongest there.)

Because the compass needle will follow the lines of force, and these lines dip into the earth, compasses designed for use in the N hemisphere will have a small counter balancing weight to bring the needle to level.

Analogously for compasses designed for use in the southern hemisphere.

For people who wish to use their compass anywhere on the Earth, (such as military) they will have a slightly insensitive needle, and a more massive plate or dial.

Having the dial (or card) immersed in a slightly viscous fluid will help steady the swinging of the needle.

It is made from any magnetic material such as steel
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9y ago

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