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It depends on what you are trying to do. If you are trying to find north, a magnetic compass is more important. If you are trying to make fireworks or to fire a gun that requires gunpowder, gunpowder is more important.

If you mean in a historical sense, that is also a matter of opinion. Without compasses, sailors would not be able to navigate. Without gunpowder, they would not be able to kill the people they found in the lands they sailed to. The world would be a different place without both.

In short, it is a matter of opinion which one is more important.

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Q: What is more important a magnetic compass or gunpowder?
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Continue Learning about Physics

Does a compass remain stable or it fluctuate?

A compass is stable in it's attraction to a specific magnetic pole. Any instability detected is the fluctuation of the always moving magnetic field. Or probably more typically has been induced by vibration of the compass


What is the function of fore and aft magnet in a magnetic compass?

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The Lighter SideAt the moment it is stuck to my refrigerator door, if you want it give me a shout and I will pop it in the post to you.AnswerThe magnetic equator is mostly near the equator. The magnetic equator is the locus of points where a magnetic compass needle will be level, rather than dip slightly downward. As you approach the magnetic north pole, the compass needle will want more and more to point its north end slightly downward.There is a link below to an article on magnetic dip. It includes a map showing the magnetic equator in 1860. I am not sure why that date was chosen, but I doubt it has changed a whole lot since that date.


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Related questions

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In my opinion I think the magnetic compass is more important because It made worldwide travel easier and encouraged more exploration.


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Both the caravel astrolabe and the magnetic compass are important navigation tools for a ship, but the magnetic compass is generally considered more crucial. The compass provides a reliable and constant indication of the ship's direction, allowing for accurate navigation even when visibility is limited. The caravel astrolabe, on the other hand, is used to measure the altitude of celestial objects to determine latitude, and while it is helpful for navigation, it is not as essential as the magnetic compass.


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First CompassThe Chinese invented the magnetic compass. Use the link below for more information.thats right


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Why is it better to use a magnetic compass to find directions more than the stars and the sun?

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