How Does a Compass Work Exactly?

A compass uses a special needle that can spin freely. This needle is magic because it’s made of iron, which likes to follow the Earth's hidden magnetic lines. When you hold a compass, the needle turns so it points north, like a little magnet following an invisible road!

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Examples

A little compass in your backpack helps you find your way through the woods.
The needle on a compass always points north, even if it’s not moving around!
You follow the direction of a compass like it's giving you directions from an invisible friend.

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Categories: Science · magnetism,navigation,science