2007-03-07 12:26:04 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Earth Sciences & Geology
Because compasses are magnets. The north pole of a magnet is attracted to the south pole of another magnet. The Earth is the biggest magnet around. The "south" magnetic pole of the Earth is up north.
2007-03-07 12:33:19 · answer #1 · answered by morningfoxnorth 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Compasses are small magnets that align themselves with the magnetic poles of the earth. Think of the earth a giant magnet. with a north and south pole. The needle of the compass aligns itself with the magnetic field of the earth.
One thing to keep in mind is magnetic north is not the same as true north (north pole). Depending on where you are on the earth there is a difference between true north and magnetic north. This difference is called the magnetic declination. Since the earth's magnetic field is slowly changing the declination between true and magnetic north changes over time.
2007-03-07 12:53:07 · answer #2 · answered by Lost in PA 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
magnets
2007-03-07 12:35:43 · answer #3 · answered by jimmers 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋