Question

A compass pointing north will point in a different direction when placed near a piece of metal. Which causes this to happen?

magnetic fields
electromagnetism
electricity

Answer 1

magnetic fields

Step-by-step explanation:

compass needle itself is a magnet . It aligns itself along the earth's magnetic fields to show north south direction. When some metal piece is put near a compass needle , it tends to attract the metal piece as metal is a magnetic material . So it gets deflected from its original orientation. So magnetic field around the needle is responsible for its deflection.

Answer 2

I think the correct answer from the choices listed above is the first option. It is the magnetic fields present that causes the compass to move. A compass reacts with the Earth's magnetic field, however, if another piece of metal is near of the needle magnet's magnetic field the needle will deflect toward the metal.