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A compass is a free-spinning magnet that will align itself to be parallel to the Earth's magnetic field lines. Since the Earth's magnetic poles are located relatively close to its geographic poles, a compass pointing to Earth's magnetic north pole also indicates the general direction of Earth's geographic north pole.

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13y ago
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15y ago

The compass needle is a small magnet that is free to rotate. It aligns itself with the natural magnetic field of the Earth and allows a person to find north and south.

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Q: How does a compass determine direction?
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Related questions

How can you determine the direction on a map without a compass rose?

You can determine the direction on a map without a compass rose by using cardinal direction.


Why does a sailor use a compass?

to determine direction


What is the definition of compass?

A devise used to determine direction


What device was used by sailors to determine direction?

The Compass-


A tool for mesuring the size of an angle?

A compass. This is not the same as a compass used to determine the direction of North.


How can you determine direction on a map that does not have a compass rose?

by the cardinal directions


What Is A Compass Used Too determine?

The direction of magnetic North.


What is a compass a useful tool for describing motion?

I'm gonna have to say no. A compass is used to determine direction.


How would one determine if they were traveling in the direction of the west?

Someone would determine the direction they are travelling by using a compass or a gps unit.


What is a Muslim compass?

I believe you are referring to a Qibla Compass. These are used to determine the direction of the Qibla, where Muslims face when praying.


How does a compass determine the directions?

The term "compass direction" means a direction shown by a magnetic compass, one whose needle will be drawn to a north-south alignment. When at a location and facing a certain direction, the "compass direction" is the one at the top (front) of the moving compass rose. If a location is in that direction, it is the indicated compass direction from the current point.On a map, the direction from one point to another is indicated by the up-down and left-right line between the points, and the compass directions are indicated by a compass rose on the map.


Purpose of the compass rose?

A compass rose is a map symbol that shows what direction on the map is North, South, East, and West.