Why do the needle in a compass shows northern direction everytime?
2006-07-07 02:02:45 · 9 answers · asked by 3's 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
The core of the earth is not the reason for the earths magnetism if its assumed to be molten iron at very high temperature and pressure. Iron does not hold magnetism when heated. The theory of relativity is required to answer for the real reason of magnetism and its nature.
2006-07-07 02:36:20 · answer #1 · answered by goring 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The core of the earth is made of molten iron under very high pressure. It has a magnetic field that reaches well out into space. A compass needle is also magnetized. If you have ever played with two magnets you know that thery like to join together one way and not the other way. That is called "Polarity" The earth has magnetic poles and the compass needle has magnetic poles. The poles of one magnet align to the magnetic field of the other magnet, and that is exactly what a compass needle is doing when it swings to point north. However, the earth's magnetic north pole is not at the Earth's North pole. It is close enough that compasses can be used, but there are charts that you can use to adjust the offset - a correction factor - for your location on Earth so that you can tell which way is "True North" when your compass id pointing to "Magnetic North".
2006-07-07 02:14:57 · answer #2 · answered by Dick Tracy 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It really doesn't. It points to the magnetic North Pole, which is actually slightly off the real North Pole. The Earth is like a magnetic, and there is a North Pole and a South Pole. The southern charged side of the needle will point North and the northern charged side of the needle will point South. Since opposites attract.
2006-07-07 02:47:37 · answer #3 · answered by Science_Guy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The needle in a compass is a magnet that aligns itself with the earth's magnetic field. Opposite poles attract, so the south end of the needle points to the north magnetic pole. The magnetic pole and true north are not the same place, so here in Denver, CO we have to allow for 12 degrees declination for surveying.
2006-07-07 02:10:32 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
because the earth is a giant magnet and all the magnetic fields surrounding it travel to north... considering that and the fact that needles in compasses are magnetized, it's but natural for it to be attracted to the north where all the magnetic fields converge...
2006-07-07 02:12:18 · answer #5 · answered by peanut butter 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Earth have a magnetic field.
2006-07-07 02:09:38 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The magnetised pointer is free to align itself accurately with Earth's magnetic field,so the pointer always points north.
2006-07-07 02:23:27 · answer #7 · answered by I am rock 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It have magnet power
2006-07-07 02:06:38 · answer #8 · answered by tharanga 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
magnetic fields
2006-07-07 02:08:32 · answer #9 · answered by nelvayna 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋