Question

Why does a compass always point to the north?
A) The compass is made of a magnetic material
B) The compass is a magnet with the pointer as a south seeking pole
C) The compass is a magnet with the pointer as a north seeking pole
D) The compass is an electromagnet that is charged by rubbing when the needle is turning.

Answer 1

Hint: The earth’s magnetic field can be approximated to be due to a giant bar magnet present inside the earth that has a magnetic south pole and a magnetic north pole. Like poles of magnets repel each other while like poles repel.

Complete step-by-step answer:
The earth has a magnetic field of its own. This magnetic field is due to the molten magnetic materials present inside its core. Its effects can be approximated to thinking that a giant bar magnet is present inside the earth with the south pole of the magnet near the geographical north pole and the north pole of the magnet situated near the geographical south pole.
The arrow end of a compass can be thought to be the north pole of the magnetic needle. Since unlike poles of a magnet attract each other, the north pole of the magnetic needle is attracted towards the south pole of the earth’s magnetic field, that is, approximately towards the geographical north pole. Hence, the arrow of the compass can also be termed as the north-seeking pole.
This is why a compass always points to the north.
Therefore, the correct option is C) The compass is a magnet with the pointer as a north seeking pole.

Note: Students must remember that the north pole of the earth and the magnetic south pole of the earth are not exactly at the same place but at slightly different positions, which also does not remain constant. In fact, the orientation of the bar magnet of the earth has constantly changed over time even to the extent that the poles have completely reversed, that is, the magnetic north pole has become the magnetic south pole and vice versa.