The compass relies on earth's magnetic field to orient itself. The magnetic field runs from the north pole to the south pole. The compass will orient itself with whichever pole it's closest to.
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.
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.
The needle, or "pointer", of a compass will always point North. See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compass
A compass works by aligning itself with Earth's magnetic field, specifically pointing towards the magnetic north pole. This allows it to indicate directions accurately. The magnetic north pole is near the geographic north pole, which gives the illusion that the compass is always pointing north.
No. The true north pole and the magnetic north pole are in different locations. The compass will point at the magnetic north pole. If you happened to be somewhere between the two north poles, the compass will point exactly backwards!
Compass
A compass
A compass is the instrument that always shows magnetic North. A compass is used to show which way you are traveling.
north
north
magnetism
magnetism
the compass would point north because it Always points north unless you are at the north pole. :)
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.
If you point the north side of the compass away from you the compass will point south. Because the needle always points north (magnetism).
A compass.
Compass points always towards Earth's magnetic north.