We all know that actually compass needle points to the north pole. But does it work when we Are in the north pole? Where should it point anyway.
2007-01-10 12:01:25 · 6 answers · asked by williams 3 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Earth Sciences & Geology
Not really, since the Earth's magnetic north pole is actually located south of 90 degrees north (the Geographic North pole). Polar explorers took star readings to figure out their latitude.
The magnetic north is on an island in Canada, and if you were there, the compass needle should spin aimlessly.
2007-01-10 12:17:51 · answer #1 · answered by Randy G 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, previous answer was right that the Earth is the magnet, not some pile of iron. Why do people make things up.
The magnetic pole has actually moved north of Canada and is closer to the axial pole than it has been for decades.
However, all those that said the compass will not work are not correct. The compass will try to point down, and will tend to point south towards the current location of the magnetic pole.
2007-01-10 14:29:56 · answer #2 · answered by nick s 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The compass needle doesn't point to the north pole. It points in a "generally" northward direction. I believe this is due to huge deposits of iron ore in the northern territories of Canada. If your location is in certain areas of Canada, the compass needle could actually point east or west, not north.
But hey, what do I know? I'm just another dirty f**king hippie who tends toward liberal viewpoints.
BTW... Samu P's answer is way off track. Sea of Japan?? Bermuda Triangle?? This guy isn't even on the same planet as you and I.
Peace be upon you.
2007-01-10 12:12:23 · answer #3 · answered by Jackie Treehorn 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Just to correct what that other guy said, this doesn't have anything to do with a bunch of iron under Canada!! The whole planet is one big magnet. Scientists believe the Earth's magnetic field is generated by the constant churning (rotation) of the core of the earth, which is nestled within the molten mantle. Or if the core is not solid then it could just be the entire molten inside of the earth churning about that is causing the magnetic field.
The sun and most other celestial objects also have their own huge magnetic fields.
And I think if you were right at the magnetic north pole, no the compass would not work. There would be no definite direction for the magnet to align itself with, and it would just spin freely in the casing.
2007-01-10 12:27:36 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
It will work....... because the only places that the compass will not work is in the devil's sea n japan and in the bemuda triangle
2007-01-10 12:12:16 · answer #5 · answered by Samu P 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Yes if it dose not freeze up
2007-01-10 12:20:26 · answer #6 · answered by cutie_rose 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋