Why does compass needle always points in North-south directions?
The Earth is a magnet that can interact with other magnets in this way, so the north end of a compass magnet is drawn to align with the Earth's magnetic field. Because the Earth's magnetic North Pole attracts the "north" ends of other magnets, it is technically the "South Pole" of our planet's magnetic field.
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Why does compass needle always points in North-south directions?
Introduction:
The compass needle always points in the North-South direction due to the alignment of Earth's magnetic field. This phenomenon can be explained by understanding the characteristics of magnets and the Earth's magnetic field.
Earth's Magnetic Field:
The Earth behaves like a giant magnet, with its magnetic field originating from its core. The Earth's magnetic field is not perfectly aligned with the geographical North and South poles; instead, it has a slight tilt. This means that the magnetic North pole and the geographic North pole are not at the same location.
Magnetic Properties of Compass Needle:
A compass needle is a small magnet, generally made of a lightweight material like iron or steel. It consists of a magnetized needle that is free to rotate horizontally. The needle aligns itself with the Earth's magnetic field, pointing towards the magnetic North pole and the opposite direction, the magnetic South pole.
Magnetic Attraction and Repulsion:
Magnets have two main properties: attraction and repulsion. Like poles (North and North, South and South) repel each other, while opposite poles (North and South) attract each other. As the North pole of a compass needle is attracted to the Earth's magnetic South pole, it aligns itself in the North-South direction.
Earth's Magnetic Field Lines:
The Earth's magnetic field lines are imaginary lines that depict the direction and strength of the magnetic field. They form closed loops that extend from the magnetic South pole to the magnetic North pole. These field lines are vertical near the magnetic poles and horizontal at the equator.
Compass Needle Alignment:
When a compass is held horizontally, the magnetic field lines exert a torque on the magnetized needle, causing it to rotate and align itself with the Earth's magnetic field. The North-seeking pole of the compass needle is attracted to the Earth's magnetic South pole, causing it to point towards the magnetic North pole.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the compass needle always points in the North-South direction due to the alignment of Earth's magnetic field. The magnetic properties of the compass needle, along with the Earth's magnetic field lines, result in the needle aligning itself with the magnetic North pole. This alignment allows individuals to determine their direction and navigate accurately using a compass.
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