what causes a compass needle to point in a certain direction?

Answer 1

The Earths core is made of iron, so it is one big magnet
The needle is magnetic as well, so it aligns to the north

Answer 2

The needle is a permanent magnet, and the earth has a magnetic field. When the south pole of the magnetic needle aligns with the northern pole of Earth, then it points northward. If the needle is not aligned however, the south pole of the needle is attracted to the north pole of earth and the north pole of the needle is attracted to the south pole of earth. Because both are attracted, a torque is experienced by the needle until it lines up with the magnetic field lines.

Answer 3

The needle is a magnet and the earth has a magnetic field which causes it to point at one spot.

Answer 4

have you ever had two pieces of magnets? when you put them together on one side they stick but when you try to put them together on the other side they push away from each other.
This is a similar to the way the earths magnetic fields work, i dont know if both poles are positive or negative but i think the needle is negetive so it tends to push toward the northpole's positive magnetic pull.

Answer 5

The north seeking pole will align to the magnetic field.

Answer 6

magnatisum