Why a Compass Turns
Written by Studio AM.
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A compass needle is a small magnet that can turn freely. Earth also has a magnetic field. The needle turns until it lines up, or aligns, with that field.
One marked end shows magnetic north at that location. Magnetic north is not exactly the same as the geographic North Pole. The difference changes with location. It also changes slowly over time because Earth's magnetic field shifts.
Nearby metal or electric current can pull a compass away from its usual direction. That is why a careful user holds it level and keeps it away from phones, magnets, and large metal objects. A compass does not know a destination. It provides one direction that a traveler can compare with a map.
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Questions
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Question 1 of 4
What is the main idea of the passage?
The answer is A: A compass aligns with Earth’s magnetic field but must be read with attention to location and nearby interference.
The passage explains alignment, magnetic variation, interference, and practical use.
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Question 2 of 4
Why should a compass be kept away from metal?
The answer is B: Metal can pull the needle away from Earth’s field direction.
The final paragraph says nearby metal can disturb the usual direction.
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Question 3 of 4
What does “aligns” mean?
The answer is C: turns into the same direction
The needle turns until it lines up with the field, which means it aligns.
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Question 4 of 4
What can a traveler compare with a map?
The answer is D: the direction from a compass
The final sentence says the compass provides a direction for comparison with a map.
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