Question

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

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

Answer 1

The correct option is C

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. No matter where you stand on the earth, you can hold a compass in your hand and it will point towards the north pole. This is because the earth has a magnetic field and the pointer is also magnetic. The pointer thus aligns itself with the magnetic poles of the earth.