Question

Why is a magnetic needle used in a compass?

Answer 1

The magnetic needle used in a compass freely rotates and always settles in the north-south direction as it is a property of a magnet. Thus, a magnetic needle can be used to as certain the direction. Hence, magnetic needle is used in a compass.

Answer 2

The Earth behaves like a giant magnet, with its magnetic North Pole near the geographic South Pole and its magnetic South Pole near the geographic North Pole. In a compass, the magnetic needle aligns itself with Earth's magnetic field, with the needle’s north pole pointing towards the Earth’s magnetic south pole, which is near the geographic North Pole.

So, the magnetic needle in a compass points towards the Earth’s magnetic North Pole (which is near the geographic South Pole).