kompassinõel

The kompassinõel, or compass needle, is a fundamental component of a magnetic compass. It is a lightweight, magnetized piece of metal, typically shaped like a slender pointer. Its primary function is to align itself with the Earth's magnetic field, thereby indicating the direction of magnetic north. This alignment is what allows a compass to serve as a navigational tool.

The needle is usually mounted on a low-friction pivot at the center of the compass. This pivot allows the needle to rotate freely, ensuring it can accurately follow the subtle magnetic forces. The tip of the needle, often painted in a distinct color like red or white, is designated to point towards magnetic north. The opposite end points towards magnetic south.

The effectiveness of a kompassinõel depends on its magnetization and the absence of significant magnetic interference. Nearby magnetic materials or strong electrical currents can disrupt its alignment, leading to inaccurate readings. Historically, compass needles were crafted from lodestone, a naturally magnetized form of magnetite. Modern needles are typically made from steel that has been magnetized artificially. The kompassinõel is crucial for determining direction in exploration, surveying, and everyday navigation where GPS might be unavailable or unreliable.