How does a compass work?

A compass works by aligning its needle with the Earth’s magnetic field. The needle of a traditional compass is a magnet that freely rotates on a pivot. One end of the needle, usually marked in red, points toward the magnetic north, which is slightly different from true geographic north. Earth’s magnetic field is created by the movement of molten iron in the planet’s core, and the compass provides a simple yet reliable tool for navigation, helping users determine direction.