A compass is like a tiny magnet that loves to dance with the Earth's hidden magnetic power. The Earth has a magnetic field, kind of like invisible lines that go from one end of the Earth to the other. Inside the compass, there’s a small magnet that wants to line up with those invisible lines, and that’s why it always points north!
Why It Works
The little magnet in the compass is free to move. When you put it near the Earth's magnetic field, it spins until it matches the direction of the field. That’s how a compass knows which way to go.
Examples
- A compass in your backpack always points north, even when you're hiking deep in the woods.
- If you put a magnet near a compass, it might start pointing toward the magnet instead of north.
- A compass on a boat helps sailors find their way across the ocean.
Ask a question
See also
- How Does a Compass Point North?
- How Does a Compass Know Which Way is North?
- How Does a Compass Work in the Modern World?
- How Does a Compass Work Exactly?
- How Does a Compass Work Without Electricity?
Discussion
Recent activity
Nothing here yet.