A compass always points to which direction?

A compass always points to which direction?

• A. Magnetic north
• B. Geographic north
• C. South
• D. East

Answer: (A)

A compass points to magnetic north because the needle is a magnet that aligns with Earth's magnetic field, and the north-seeking end of the needle is attracted toward magnetic north. This direction is determined by the planet’s magnetism, not by the geographic pole defined by Earth’s rotation. Because magnetic north and true/geographic north aren’t the same, readings may differ by declination, which varies by location and over time. East or south aren’t the directions the needle is drawn to under normal use.

A compass points to magnetic north because the needle is a magnet that aligns with Earth's magnetic field, and the north-seeking end of the needle is attracted toward magnetic north. This direction is determined by the planet’s magnetism, not by the geographic pole defined by Earth’s rotation. Because magnetic north and true/geographic north aren’t the same, readings may differ by declination, which varies by location and over time. East or south aren’t the directions the needle is drawn to under normal use.