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Geographic north is the direction towards the North Pole, while magnetic north is the direction towards the north-seeking pole of a magnet. The two points do not align perfectly due to the Earth's magnetic field, causing a discrepancy between true north and magnetic north.

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What is the difference between the North Pole and the magnetic North Pole, and how do their respective locations impact navigation and compass use?

The North Pole is the geographic point at the top of the Earth, while the magnetic North Pole is where the Earth's magnetic field points vertically downwards. The magnetic North Pole is located slightly off from the geographic North Pole. This difference can affect navigation and compass use because compasses point towards the magnetic North Pole, not the geographic North Pole. This can lead to discrepancies in navigation, especially in areas close to the magnetic North Pole.


What is the difference between magnetic north and geographic north, and how does this discrepancy affect navigation and orientation?

Magnetic north is the direction that a compass needle points towards, which is slightly different from geographic north, the North Pole. This difference is known as magnetic declination. It affects navigation because maps and compasses are based on geographic north, so adjustments must be made to account for the discrepancy when navigating using a compass. Failure to do so can lead to errors in direction and getting lost.


Are the magnetic pole and the geographic north pole always the same distance apart?

The Geographic Poles are fixed at the earth's axis of rotation. The Magnetic Poles are located within a few hundred kilometres, but wander. The magnetic polarity of Magnetic North (the location) is south, which is why it attracts the north pole of a compass needle.


Why is it that the Earth's geographic north pole is actually a magnetic south pole?

The Earth's geographic north pole is actually a magnetic south pole because the Earth's magnetic field is generated by the movement of molten iron in its outer core. This movement creates a magnetic field that aligns with the geographic north pole, causing it to act as a magnetic south pole.


What direction does the magnetic compass point to?

the needle should point north unless your are close to another magnetic object which could interrupt it.

Related Questions

What is the difference between the magnetic north pole and the geographical north pole?

the magnetic north pole moves while the geographic north pole stays in the same place


Why is it a problem to have a magnetic North Pole and a geographic North Pole?

An ordinary magnetic compass points to magnetic north, not to true north. If the difference between the two directions is large and not accounted for, you can get lost.


What is the difference between the North Pole and the magnetic North Pole, and how do their respective locations impact navigation and compass use?

The North Pole is the geographic point at the top of the Earth, while the magnetic North Pole is where the Earth's magnetic field points vertically downwards. The magnetic North Pole is located slightly off from the geographic North Pole. This difference can affect navigation and compass use because compasses point towards the magnetic North Pole, not the geographic North Pole. This can lead to discrepancies in navigation, especially in areas close to the magnetic North Pole.


What is the main difference between North Pole and South Pole?

The North Magnetic and Geographic Poles are on a floating ice pack although the Magnetic North Pole can be located on a Canadian Island.


The angle of difference between the geographic and magnetic poles is called the declination How does the declination change as you move north from where you live?

The angle between the geographic and magnetic poles extends more towards the east, as you move to the north. The magnetic pole is actually near Greenland.


Where does a compas point?

A compass points towards magnetic north, which is the direction that a magnetic needle aligns itself with the Earth's magnetic field. This is not the same as true north, which is the geographic North Pole. The difference between magnetic north and true north is known as magnetic declination and varies by location.


What is the difference between magnetic north and geographic north, and how does this discrepancy affect navigation and orientation?

Magnetic north is the direction that a compass needle points towards, which is slightly different from geographic north, the North Pole. This difference is known as magnetic declination. It affects navigation because maps and compasses are based on geographic north, so adjustments must be made to account for the discrepancy when navigating using a compass. Failure to do so can lead to errors in direction and getting lost.


What is magnetic variation?

Magnetic variation is the angle between true north (the direction pointing to the North Pole) and magnetic north (the direction a compass needle points). It varies depending on location and changes over time due to shifts in the Earth's magnetic field. Pilots and navigators use magnetic variation to accurately navigate using a compass.


Is there a difference between the magnetic North and South Poles and the actual North and South Poles?

Yes, there is a difference. The magnetic North Pole is where the Earth's magnetic field points vertically downwards, while the geographic North Pole is the northernmost point on the Earth's surface. Similarly, the magnetic South Pole is where the Earth's magnetic field points vertically upwards, while the geographic South Pole is the southernmost point on the Earth's surface.


What is the Is the difference between true North and magnetic north?

magnetic variation


Why do compass needles not point to the earths geographic?

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.


What is the name given to the difference between true north and magnetic north?

magnetic variation