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Compass magnets can be deflected by Earth's magnetic field or other permanent magnets.



The question a lot of people are asking is why a compass points north? The reason this is, is because there is a weak magnet in a compass, but there is a stronger magnetic field in the North Pole. The earth is filled with an iron core too which gives it the magnetic pull. You could imagine the iron core as a big magnetic bar that stretches from the South to the North Pole. You might not believe this but magnetism is the strongest force in nature! I have also learned that the bar magnet doesn't align perfectly with the north and South Pole it is actually slightly a bit off but almost exact. If you really think hard though you could think that the south end of the iron core is at the North Pole and the north side of the iron core is on the South Pole. The reason this is, is because opposites attract! The iron is in the middle of the earth which as we all know, is really hot so the iron turns into liquid. Now ,with the heat from the core and the earth rotating makes this liquid iron move with the earth . Since the liquid iron is moving around and around it makes the liquid iron into the bar magnet around the axis.

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Why compass point towards north?

The compass has a small magnet, that can move around freely. This is affected by the Earth's magnetic field. The Earth's magnetic south pole is near its geographic northpole, but not exactly so.


What are the two areas on Earth where a compass will point at true north?

The two areas are the North Magnetic Pole and the Geographic North Pole. Compasses will point toward true north at these locations because they align with the Earth's axis.


Do compasses always point toward geographic south?

No. A compass, being at its heart a magnet, is attuned to Earth's magnetic north, which is currently near Canada's Ellesmere Island, and moving in the direction of Russia at approximately 40 miles (65 km.) per year.For most purposes, the geographic and magnetic north poles are close enough to make little difference; but as you approach one or the other, you have to use a conversion chart to find your true location.


All compasses point where?

A compass is a simple device which consists of a small, lightweight magnet which is balanced on a nearly frictionless pivot point. A compass will always point towards the North Pole because of the Earthâ??s magnetic field because the magnet inside the compass is drawn to that magnetic field.


What direction does a compass needle point when close to north pole?

At either of the magnetic poles, the lines of force enter the planet, so the compass needle will attempt to point straight downward. Due to minor fluctuations, some compasses will spin or pivot about.Near either geographic pole, compasses will still point toward the magnetic pole, which may be north, south, east, or west of the user's position.

Related Questions

Why do magnet compasses not point exactly north?

because of the earth's magnetic core


Compasses always point toward geographic south?

No. If you are talking about magnetic compasses, they are aligned with the Earth's magnetic field, which is not exactly north-south (depending where on the Earth you are located). There are, however, special compasses that make use of the Earth's rotation; those will point north-south, regardless of the magnetic field.No. If you are talking about magnetic compasses, they are aligned with the Earth's magnetic field, which is not exactly north-south (depending where on the Earth you are located). There are, however, special compasses that make use of the Earth's rotation; those will point north-south, regardless of the magnetic field.No. If you are talking about magnetic compasses, they are aligned with the Earth's magnetic field, which is not exactly north-south (depending where on the Earth you are located). There are, however, special compasses that make use of the Earth's rotation; those will point north-south, regardless of the magnetic field.No. If you are talking about magnetic compasses, they are aligned with the Earth's magnetic field, which is not exactly north-south (depending where on the Earth you are located). There are, however, special compasses that make use of the Earth's rotation; those will point north-south, regardless of the magnetic field.


What direction do compasses point in the southern hemisphere?

In the Southern Hemisphere, compasses still point towards magnetic north. The difference is that magnetic north is located in the Northern Hemisphere, so compasses in the Southern Hemisphere will point in a northerly direction.


Why compass point towards north?

The compass has a small magnet, that can move around freely. This is affected by the Earth's magnetic field. The Earth's magnetic south pole is near its geographic northpole, but not exactly so.


What property do compasses use?

They use the fact that the earth acts as a giant magnet so that compasses point towards the north pole.


What makes compasses point to the North pole?

Magnetism. The compass aligns with the magnetic field of the Earth.


What are the different kinds of compasses available on the market today?

There are three main types of compasses available on the market today: magnetic compasses, digital compasses, and gyrocompasses. Magnetic compasses use a magnetized needle to point towards the Earth's magnetic north. Digital compasses use sensors to determine direction and display it digitally. Gyrocompasses use a spinning gyroscope to find true north regardless of magnetic interference.


What would happen if the magnetic north and south poles were to switch places today?

Compasses would point south instead of north.


What is the meaning of north?

north is a derection that witch a point would be


What are the two areas on Earth where a compass will point at true north?

The two areas are the North Magnetic Pole and the Geographic North Pole. Compasses will point toward true north at these locations because they align with the Earth's axis.


Do compasses use electromagnets?

Yes, compasses use a magnetic needle that aligns with the Earth's magnetic field. The needle itself is not an electromagnet, but it relies on the Earth's magnetic field to point towards the magnetic north pole.


What are the different types of compasses available for navigation and outdoor activities?

There are three main types of compasses used for navigation and outdoor activities: magnetic compasses, digital compasses, and lensatic compasses. Magnetic compasses use a magnetized needle to point towards the Earth's magnetic north. Digital compasses use sensors to determine direction and often have additional features like GPS. Lensatic compasses are more advanced and have a sighting lens for more accurate readings.