Joe follows the procedure below to make a compass. What is the purpose of step 1?

• A. to magnetize the needle
• B. to give the needle an electric charge
• C. to make the needle sharper
• D. to flatten the side of the needle

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that a compass needle must be a magnet to sense Earth’s magnetic field. Step 1 magnetizes the needle, turning it into a tiny magnet with a north and a south pole. With this magnetism, the Earth's field exerts a torque on the needle and it aligns along the field, pointing toward magnetic north. If the needle isn’t magnetized, it wouldn’t have a defined polarity or reliably point in a direction. The other options don’t fit because charging it electrically, sharpening it, or flattening its side doesn’t create the magnetic properties needed for directional sensing.