Question

A compass has a small balanced pointer that always points North-South. This is because:

• A.

  The stars exert a force on the needle

• B. The earth has a magnetic field and the pointer is magnetic
• C. Gravity makes the needle point this way
• D. The compass needle points to cold places

Answer 1

The correct option is B

The earth has a magnetic field and the pointer is magnetic

The magnetic compass is the oldest instrument for navigation and has been a vital tool for navigators at sea for centuries. The Earth has a substantial magnetic field. The poles of the earth act as magnetic poles, as such a bar magnet, when suspended freely gets attracted towards the poles of Earth. So, it aligns itself in a North-South direction.