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How does a compass work?

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Quick Answer

A compass works because its magnetised needle aligns with Earth magnetic field, pointing toward the magnetic north pole.

The Full Story

A compass is simply a lightweight magnetised needle that can spin freely. Because Earth behaves like a giant magnet, with a magnetic field running roughly between the poles, the needle aligns itself with that field and settles pointing toward magnetic north. This lets travellers find direction anywhere on the planet without landmarks. The magnetic poles are not exactly at the geographic poles and slowly drift over time, so precise navigation must correct for the difference.

Key Facts

1.A compass needle is a small free-spinning magnet
2.It aligns with Earth magnetic field
3.Magnetic north differs slightly from true north

YouTube Angle

Suggested video title for this topic:

"How a Compass Finds North β€” Earth Hidden Magnet"