Question

When a magnetic compass is placed ________ of a bar magnet, it points towards the magnet.

• A. near the south pole
• B. at the bottom
• C. on the top
• D. near the north pole

Answer 1

The correct option is A near the south pole

A magnetic compass is basically made up of a magnetic needle.

Its north pole (coloured end of the needle) points towards the south pole of another magnet kept in its vicinity as unlike poles attract each other.

When kept near the south pole, the compass points towards the south pole of the bar magnet.

Whereas, when the compass is placed near the north pole of a bar magnet, it points away from it.

Keeping the compass at the top or bottom of the bar magnet, won't make its magnetic needle to point towards the magnet. The needle will remain parallel to the bar magnet only.