Question

which statement correctly describes earths magnetic field?
a compass can lead a hiker to the geographic north pole.
the magnetic pole near the south pole is a north pole.
compasses point toward a magnetic pole that is a north pole.
field lines circle earth from east to west.

Explanation:

• Option A: A compass points to the magnetic north pole, not the geographic North Pole. The geographic North Pole is a different location.
• Option B: Opposite poles attract. Since a compass (which has a north - seeking pole) points towards the magnetic pole near the geographic South Pole, that magnetic pole must be a north pole.
• Option C: Compasses point toward a magnetic pole that is a south pole (because opposite poles attract; the north - seeking end of the compass is attracted to the magnetic south pole).
• Option D: Magnetic field lines of the Earth go from the magnetic south pole (near the geographic North Pole) to the magnetic north pole (near the geographic South Pole), not from east to west.

Answer:

B. The magnetic pole near the South Pole is a north pole.