Question

Why does a freely suspended magnet always settle in the north-south direction

Answer 1

It is because of the influnce of terrestial magnetism i.e. earth's magnetic field.

Answer 2

Explanation:

It is due to the influence of the earth magnet. The direction of the earth magnet is in the North-south direction of the earth. The North pole of the earth magnet is near the geographical south pole and south pole is near the geographical north pole. Therefore North of suspended magnet align above the south pole of the earth magnet and vice versa.