# Explain why a compass needle points towards geographical north and describe what happens to the compass needle when it is brought close to a strong bar magnet.

> Eduqas GCSE Physics — 8.1 Permanent and induced magnetism, magnetic forces and fields · Explain · 4 marks

> A compass is a small permanent magnet that is free to rotate. It is used for navigation because it aligns with the Earth's magnetic field.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. The Earth behaves as / acts like a giant magnet (with a magnetic field surrounding it)
2. The north pole of the compass needle is attracted towards geographical north / the compass aligns with the Earth's magnetic field
3. When close to a bar magnet, the compass needle is deflected / no longer points north / points towards or away from the bar magnet's poles
4. The bar magnet's field is much stronger (locally) than the Earth's field, so the needle aligns with the bar magnet's field rather than the Earth's

## Key terms

- [compass needle](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/compass-needle)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Eduqas GCSE Physics](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

---
Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-why-a-compass-needle-points-da6aec31) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.