QUESTION IMAGE
Question
why does a compass needle point towards the north?
a earths electromagnetic field
b north stars gravitational pull
c the moons position aligns the needle.
d satellites in space align the needle.
A compass needle is a small magnet. Earth acts as a large magnet with a magnetic field, which exerts a torque on the compass needle, aligning it with the field's direction (toward Earth's magnetic north pole). Other options are incorrect: the North Star’s gravity is negligible for this alignment, the moon’s position affects tides not compass needles, and satellites do not align compass needles.
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A. Earth's electromagnetic field