Why does the magnetic needle of a compass not settle parallel to the g

1.	Why does the magnetic needle of a compass not settle parallel to the ground but at an angle to it?
Answer» 1. Freely suspended magnet does not point to north, but aligns to earth’s magnetic field axially ie – north-south. 2. The magnetic pole of the earth is different from true north (geographic north) because the magnetic north is constantly changing. 3. It leads to a margin of error called declination in which there is an angle of difference (11.51)° between Magnetic North and True North. 4. That is the reason the magnetic needle does not settle parallel to the ground.

Why does the magnetic needle of a compass not settle parallel to the ground but at an angle to it?

Answer»

1. Freely suspended magnet does not point to north, but aligns to earth’s magnetic field axially ie – north-south.

2. The magnetic pole of the earth is different from true north (geographic north) because the magnetic north is constantly changing.

3. It leads to a margin of error called declination in which there is an angle of difference (11.51)° between Magnetic North and True North.

4. That is the reason the magnetic needle does not settle parallel to the ground.