In terms of magnetic polarity and the direction a compass needle points, which statement best describes Earth’s south magnetic pole?

• A. It is exactly at the geographic South Pole and has no relation to compass behavior.
• B. It behaves like a magnetic south pole because it repels the north-seeking end of a compass needle.
• C. It is a region where Earth’s magnetic field is zero and compasses cannot align.
• D. It behaves like a magnetic north pole because it attracts the north-seeking end of a compass needle.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that a compass needle aligns with Earth's magnetic field, with its north-seeking end pointing toward Earth's magnetic south pole.
2. Understand that magnetic poles are defined by the behavior of magnetic field lines: they emerge from magnetic north poles and enter magnetic south poles.
3. Recognize that Earth's geographic South Pole is near the Earth's magnetic north pole, and Earth's geographic North Pole is near the Earth's magnetic south pole, which can be confusing.
4. Note that the 'south magnetic pole' of Earth is actually a magnetic north pole in terms of physics because it attracts the north-seeking end of a compass needle.
5. Therefore, the Earth's south magnetic pole behaves like a magnetic north pole, attracting the north end of a compass needle, which is why compasses point toward it.