Question

If a traveler using a compass needle follows the direction of the magnetic needle, would he be able to reach the geographic north pole? Explain in detail.

Answer 1

Explanation

1. A bar magnet's geometric ends are called its geometric poles.
2. The property of a magnet to attract small pieces of iron seems to be very high in small regions at each end of the magnet. These regions are called magnetic poles. These poles lie slightly within the ends of a magnet.
3. The earth’s magnetic axis makes an angle of about ${17}^o$with its geographic axis.
4. The compass needle always point towards the magnetic poles of earth and not towards the geographic poles of earth.
5. When a traveler is using the magnetic compass, then the compass needle will show him the direction towards magnetic pole.
6. Due to this, the traveler, may not reach geographic north pole, instead the traveler will reach at magnetic poles of earth.