2007-04-09 06:08:02 · 3 answers · asked by Theodore l 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
The earth has a magnetic field that points north. A compass needle is magnetized, having what is called a magnetic "dipole moment" in the direction of the needle. A magnetic dipole placed in a magnetic field will experience a torque on it that will cause it to rotate until it is aligned with the field.
2007-04-09 15:01:20 · answer #1 · answered by Dr. R 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are three types of North: 1. Magnetic North, 2. True North, and 3. Geographic or Polar North.
The magnetic compass points to Magnetic North, which has a variation to True North depending on what side of the country your on. Magnetic North is a bunch of high iron containing mountains in northern Canada.
So Magnetic North is slightly off from True North which you must correct for by knowing the variation.
2007-04-09 13:18:22 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try this: http://www.howstuffworks.com/compass.htm
2007-04-09 13:11:51 · answer #3 · answered by SPB 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋