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Compass needles do not point directly to the Earth's geographic North Pole because they align with the Earth's magnetic field, which is generated by the movement of molten iron in the outer core. The magnetic North Pole, where the magnetic field points vertically downwards, is located at a different position than the geographic North Pole. Additionally, the magnetic field is not uniform and can shift over time due to changes in the Earth's interior. This discrepancy leads to a difference between true north and magnetic north, known as magnetic declination.

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1mo ago

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Is a compass a permanent magnet?

Compass needles are permanent magnets. in response to the Earth's magnetic field, the compass needle will point toward the geographic North Pole.


Is A compass needle permanent a magnet?

Compass needles are permanent magnets. in response to the Earth's magnetic field, the compass needle will point toward the geographic North Pole.


What causes a compass needle to point to geographic north?

A compass needle is a magnet that aligns itself with the Earth's magnetic field, which is generated by the movement of molten iron in the planet's outer core. The needle is attracted to the magnetic north pole, which is close to but not exactly the same as the geographic North Pole.


How far is earths magnetic axis tilted from its geographic axis?

Earth's magnetic axis is tilted at an angle of approximately 11 degrees from its geographic axis. This means that the magnetic north pole is not exactly aligned with the geographic north pole. The tilt causes compass needles to point slightly off from true north in certain locations.


What is an example of earths magnetic field?

Earth's magnetic field is like a giant bar magnet with the magnetic North and South poles located near the geographic North and South poles. This field extends from the Earth's core out into space, protecting the planet from solar wind and cosmic radiation. It is what causes compass needles to point north.


What is used to make compass needles because it is magnetic?

Compass needles are typically made from magnetized materials such as iron or steel. These materials are able to become magnetized and align with the Earth's magnetic field, allowing the compass needle to point north.


Does a compass point geographic north?

Actually, a compass points to the magnetic north pole, not the geographic north pole.


Why does the north needle on a compass point to the geographic north pole?

Magnets, man...


Why a compass needle not point to the geographic north pole?

maby the compass has lost its magnetism or you ar close to metal or a magnent


At the earths magnetic north pole it is pointless trying to use a compass to find your way?

That's correct. At the magnetic North Pole, the Earth's magnetic field lines are nearly vertical, causing compass needles to point straight downwards. This makes it difficult to navigate using a compass, as it will not give accurate readings.


Does a compass point to the geographic north pole?

No. The compass needle points toward the magnetic north pole.


What are compass needles made from?

Compass needles are typically made from a lightweight material such as steel or aluminum. These materials are magnetized to align with the Earth's magnetic field, allowing the needle to point towards magnetic north.