Question

Which of the following statements are true about the needle in a magnetic compass?

• A. It can attract magnetic materials.
• B. When a magnet is brought near, it gets deflected.
• C. It aligns with the Earth's magnetic field even when another magnet is brought near it.
• D. When freely suspended, it comes to rest in the Earth's north-south direction.

Answer 1

Answer: (A), (B), (D)

When freely suspended, it comes to rest in the Earth's north-south direction.

The needle of a magnetic compass, itself being a magnet, can attract all kinds of magnetic materials. In the absence of external magnets, it always comes to rest in the north-south direction due to the Earth's magnetic field. When a magnet is brought near it, it aligns itself according to the magnetic field of the magnet.