Magnetic Compass - GCSE Physics Definition

Reviewed by: Caroline Carroll

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A magnetic compass is a simple tool that helps you find direction. It has a small needle that spins around and always points towards Earth's magnetic North pole. This happens because the needle is made of a material that is attracted to magnets, as Earth itself acts like a giant magnet due to its molten iron core. By knowing which way is north, you can figure out all the other directions: east, south, and west. This is why a compass is very useful for navigation, whether you're walking in the countryside or sailing on the sea.

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Caroline Carroll

Reviewer: Caroline Carroll

Expertise: Physics & Chemistry Subject Lead

Caroline graduated from the University of Nottingham with a degree in Chemistry and Molecular Physics. She spent several years working as an Industrial Chemist in the automotive industry before retraining to teach. Caroline has over 12 years of experience teaching GCSE and A-level chemistry and physics. She is passionate about creating high-quality resources to help students achieve their full potential.

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