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Q: Why is the magnetic field of the earth important for compass navigation?
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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.


A magnetic compass indicates direction because?

Earth has magnetic properties


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

Yes !! But its negligible.


How can a magnetic compass be used to find direction on the earth surface?

A compass is an instrument containing a freely suspended magnetic element which displays the direction of the horizontal component of the Earth's magnetic field at the point of observation.

Related questions

Function of a magnetic compass?

The function of a magnetic compass is to show the direction toward the magnetic poles of the Earth. It is used as a navigation tool.


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.


What is the compass is used for today?

Navigation ! Even though we have GPS systems - a compass is ONLY reliant on the magnetic field of the earth. An electro-magnetic pulse could knock out ALL the GPS satellites - yet the earth's magnetic field will always be here !


How Freely Suspended magnet is used in compass for navigation?

A freely suspended magnet responds to the magnetic field of the planet Earth. The Earth's magnetic north pole is close to its geographic north pole, so a compass points (approximately) north.


Why is magnetic compass important?

Around the thirteenth century, this magnetic compass became important to mariners because sometimes, their astronomical cues would be hidden by the clouds and they couldn't find direction but with this compass, it always pointed north to the earth's magnetic field and revealed all the directions.


What is true of compasses?

Compasses are navigation tools that indicate direction relative to the Earth's magnetic poles. They consist of a magnetic needle that aligns with the Earth's magnetic field to point towards the North and South poles. Compasses are reliable and do not rely on external power sources, making them useful in various outdoor activities.


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.


When was the navigational compass invented?

The first compass was invented around 247 B.C. in China and by the eleventh century it was used for navigation. In medieval Europe around 1300 the dry compass was invented and was replaced by the liquid filled magnetic compass in the early twentieth century. A compass is a navigational instrument which is used for determining the direction related to the Earth's magnetic poles......by shaheer iqbal


Who found the evidence of the earth's magnetic field reversal?

The US Navy while performing a careful survey of magnetic compass anomalies in the early 1950s to improve navigation. The data and the survey was originally classified.


How does a compass act to the relation to earth?

A magnetic compass acts in relation to the Earth by aligning a magnetised needle with the lines of the Earth's magnetic field; thus resulting in a needle which points to magnetic North.


A magnetic compass indicates direction because?

Earth has magnetic properties