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The compass needle is attracted by the Earth's magnetic field.

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Why does a magnetic needle come to rest in north south direction?

A magnetic needle comes to rest in the north-south direction due to the Earth's magnetic field, which generates a magnetic force that aligns the needle. The Earth acts like a giant magnet with a magnetic north and south pole, causing the needle's magnetic ends to orient themselves along these lines. When the needle is free to rotate, it experiences torque from the Earth's magnetic field until it stabilizes in alignment with the magnetic field lines. This alignment minimizes the potential energy of the system, leading to the stable north-south orientation.


What is a magnetized needle that is attracted to the Earth's North magnetic pole?

It is still a needle, but could be referred to as a compass needle.


What happen when a magnetic needle is freely suspended?

it will rest in the north - south direction


What is the movement of a compass needle that is free to rotate in any direction as you fly from the north magnetic pole to the south magnetic pole?

As you fly from the north magnetic pole to the south magnetic pole, the compass needle will initially point downward at the north magnetic pole due to the steep magnetic field lines. As you move toward the equator, the needle will gradually level out to a horizontal position. Continuing further south, the needle will then begin to tilt upward as you approach the south magnetic pole, ultimately pointing more vertically upward. This behavior illustrates the transition from a downward orientation to a horizontal and then upward orientation of the compass needle in relation to the Earth's magnetic field.


Why does a compass point North?

A compass points north because of the Earth's magnetic field. The magnetic field exerts a force on the needle of a compass, aligning it with the magnetic north pole, which is close to the geographic North Pole.

Related Questions

What is a magnetized needle that is attracted to the Earth's North magnetic pole?

It is still a needle, but could be referred to as a compass needle.


What feature of earth makes a compass needle point north?

What features of the earth makes a compass needle point north


The needle of a compass points to what pole?

north pole Magnetic North PCH answer = Magnetic 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.


What happens to the compass needle when the current in the wire is switched off?

When the current in the wire is switched off, the magnetic field around the wire collapses. This change in the magnetic field causes the compass needle to return to its original position pointing towards the Earth's magnetic north.


What happen when a magnetic needle is freely suspended?

it will rest in the north - south direction


If Veronica spins in a circle with the compass in her hand which force keeps the compass' needle pointing north?

The force keeping the compass needle pointing north is the Earth's magnetic field. The needle aligns with the magnetic field lines, indicating the direction of magnetic north.


What does force on a magnetic compass needle represent?

The force acting on a magnetic compass needle represents the Earth's magnetic field. The needle aligns itself with the magnetic field lines, pointing towards the North and South magnetic poles. This alignment allows the compass needle to indicate the direction of North.


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


How does a compass needle respond when a compass is Place with 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


What is the needle use for?

To point to magnetic north.