GEOLOGY

EARTH SCIENCE

MAGNETISM

Question [CLICK ON ANY CHOICE TO KNOW THE RIGHT ANSWER]
Why does the North pole of a compass needle point North, if North and North repel?
A
Compasses are made backwards to account for the North and North Repulsion.
B
Earth’s magnetic south pole is actually located in the geographical North.
C
North and North actually attract
D
None of the above
Explanation: 

Detailed explanation-1: -Earth’s south magnetic pole is near Earth’s geographic north. Earth’s magnetic north pole is near Earth’s geographic south. That’s why the north pole of a compass points toward north because that’s where Earth’s south magnetic pole is located and they attract.

Detailed explanation-2: -The magnetic field is a zone where the force is active along imaginary lines. From the south magnetic pole to the north magnetic pole, this force has an effect on all magnetized objects, such as the needle of a compass. Under the effect of Earth’s magnetic field, the needle always points toward the north magnetic pole.

Detailed explanation-3: -The density of the magnetic field lines is higher near the poles where the magnetic force is stronger. When two magnets are placed with their like poles facing each other, the lines of force are in opposite directions and hence like poles repel each other.

Detailed explanation-4: -A freely suspended magnet points in the north-south direction because the earth behaves as a magnet with its south pole in the geographical north and the north pole in the geographical south. Was this answer helpful?

Detailed explanation-5: -Eventually, the strength of the magnetic field is strong inside the magnet and they weaken as the closeness decreases. Note: When a magnetic compass needle points the direction North and South in the absence of a nearby magnet or a current carrying loop, it is under the effect of the Earth’s magnetic field only.

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