Question

A magnetic compass needle is not aligning itself in the north-south direction. What could be the possible reason(s) behind this?

• A. The magnetic compass is defective.
• B. Some external magnets are present near the compass.
• C. There is no magnet near the compass needle.
• D. Earth’s magnetic field is not present at that place.

Answer 1

Answer: (A), (B)

Some external magnets are present near the compass.

A magnetic compass is meant to align itself in the north-south direction. If it does not align, the possible reasons can be as follows:

• There is another magnet present nearby, influencing and deflecting the compass needle.
• The compass is defective.