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Q: Is there anywhere on earth a compass will not work?
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Does a compass work best when close to magnet?

No. Being near a magnet (or magnetic field) completely puts off the compass as the compass is influenced by it and will not align with the Earth's natural magnetic field.


Why won't a compass work near a magnet?

The compass needle is itself a magnet which is why it always points north according to the earth's magnetic field. If you place a magnet (Whose magnetic power is stronger than the earth's) close to the compass its needle will be attracted t the magnet and not to the North Pole.


Does a compass needle exert force on the earth if the earth exerts a magnetic force on the compass?

Yes !! But its negligible.


Will a compass always work?

No. I assume you mean a magnetic compass. A magnetic compass reacts to magnetic fields; the magnetic south pole of Earth is not exactly at the geographic north pole, so at some points of the Earth's surface, the magnetic compass will actually point south instead of north. Also, a magnetic compass will be influenced by other magnetic fields, e.g., current-carrying wires.No. I assume you mean a magnetic compass. A magnetic compass reacts to magnetic fields; the magnetic south pole of Earth is not exactly at the geographic north pole, so at some points of the Earth's surface, the magnetic compass will actually point south instead of north. Also, a magnetic compass will be influenced by other magnetic fields, e.g., current-carrying wires.No. I assume you mean a magnetic compass. A magnetic compass reacts to magnetic fields; the magnetic south pole of Earth is not exactly at the geographic north pole, so at some points of the Earth's surface, the magnetic compass will actually point south instead of north. Also, a magnetic compass will be influenced by other magnetic fields, e.g., current-carrying wires.No. I assume you mean a magnetic compass. A magnetic compass reacts to magnetic fields; the magnetic south pole of Earth is not exactly at the geographic north pole, so at some points of the Earth's surface, the magnetic compass will actually point south instead of north. Also, a magnetic compass will be influenced by other magnetic fields, e.g., current-carrying wires.


What does a magnetic compass do?

It uses a magnetic needle to point to the earth's magnetic North Pole. The only other type of compass used is a gyro-compass. This uses a wheel which rotates parallel with the earth's rotation.

Related questions

What two places can a compass not be used?

a compass can be used anywhere.... the accuracy however may suffer in the magnetic polar regions. Then of course there is outer space where a compass would not work


Would compass work in centre of earth?

no because of the magnetic field.


How do earth's magnetic properties explain how compass work?

The magnet in the compass is attracted to the magnetic field in the Earth's core. The N on the compass always point to magnetic north.... Don't get that confused with geographical north. They are different. Hope this helps.


Does a compass work best when close to magnet?

No. Being near a magnet (or magnetic field) completely puts off the compass as the compass is influenced by it and will not align with the Earth's natural magnetic field.


Does a magnetic compass work in the desert?

Why not? the desert is just the same as any other place on planet earth. Magnetic compasses work fine in the desert. See the "Where does the magnetic compass not work?" question for some places where they don't work.


How does the magnetism in the compass work with the magnetism of earth so that the compass is a useful tool for navigating?

The magnetic needles of the compass align with earths magnetic field coming off the polar ice cap.


What way is using a compass better than using stars to find directions?

A compass can work at all times. You can't see stars during the day. Even at night, there needs to be at least fairly clear skies to enable you to see stars and work out your direction. A compass can be easier to use. You need a knowledge of the stars, which you don't need with a compass. A compass should work anywhere. The night sky looks different on different parts of the planet which can be confusing.


Why won't a compass work near a magnet?

The compass needle is itself a magnet which is why it always points north according to the earth's magnetic field. If you place a magnet (Whose magnetic power is stronger than the earth's) close to the compass its needle will be attracted t the magnet and not to the North Pole.


Does a compass needle exert force on the earth if the earth exerts a magnetic force on the compass?

Yes !! But its negligible.


Would an astronaut bring a compass on their space expedition?

Not for navigation. Compasses work based on the magnetic field of Earth and are pointless for navigation except on Earth.


How is earth like a compass?

magnetic pull which is what the compass works off of.


Is there ever a time when your compass will not point north?

Your compass will always point to the earth's north magnetic pole. That spot is about 940 miles from the real north Pole. Your compass only points to real north if you happen to be on the extension of the line that joins the two spots. Anywhere else, your compass points to one side or the other of the real north Pole.