Which statement best describes Earth’s north magnetic pole?

• A. It is a magnetic north pole (it repels the north-seeking end of a compass).
• B. It is located exactly at the geographic North Pole and never moves relative to Earth’s surface.
• C. It is a magnetic south pole (it attracts the north-seeking end of a compass).
• D. It exists only in the atmosphere and does not influence compasses at Earth’s surface.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that a compass needle aligns itself with Earth's magnetic field, where the 'north-seeking' end of the compass points toward Earth's magnetic north pole.
2. Recall that opposite magnetic poles attract, so the north-seeking end of a compass needle is actually attracted to a magnetic south pole.
3. Recognize that Earth's north magnetic pole behaves like a magnetic south pole because it attracts the north end of a compass needle.
4. Note that the north magnetic pole is not fixed; it moves over time due to changes in Earth's molten outer core, so it is not located exactly at the geographic North Pole.
5. Conclude that the correct description is that Earth's north magnetic pole is a magnetic south pole (it attracts the north-seeking end of a compass).