The marked end of a compass needle always points directly to

Options

A. Earth's geographic South Pole
B. Earth's geographic North Pole
C. a magnet's south pole
D. a magnet's north pole

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Compass:** A compass is an instrument used for navigation and orientation that shows direction relative to the geographic cardinal directions (North, East, South, West).

2. **Components of a Compass:** The compass consists of a magnetic needle that is free to rotate. One end of the needle is marked (often painted or colored) to indicate the direction it points.

3. **Behavior of the Compass Needle:** The compass needle aligns itself with the Earth's magnetic field. The marked end of the needle is known as the "north-seeking" end.

4. **Magnetic Poles:** The Earth behaves like a giant magnet with a magnetic south pole and a magnetic north pole. The magnetic south pole is located near the geographic North Pole.

5. **Direction of the Compass Needle:** Since the marked end of the compass needle is attracted to the magnetic south pole of the Earth, it points towards it. Therefore, the marked end of the compass needle always points directly to the magnetic south pole.

6. **Conclusion:** The answer to the question is that the marked end of a compass needle always points directly to the magnet's south pole.

**Final Answer:** The marked end of a compass needle always points directly to the magnet's south pole.

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