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Its needle is a fine bar-magnet on a low-friction pivot to allow it to align itself with the Earth's magnetic field.
Its North is therefore the Earth's magnetic, not rotational, North Pole, so a correction has to be made to the reading to establish the true geographical bearing. Since the magnetic pole slowly precesses over the years, the correction varies with time.
What else can I help you with?
Will a compass work on an aluminum boat?
Yes, a compass will work on an aluminum boat as long as there are no strong magnetic interferences nearby that could affect its accuracy. Aluminum itself does not interfere with the function of a compass.
How do nautical compasses work?
Nautical compasses work based on the Earth's magnetic field. The compass needle aligns itself with the magnetic field lines, indicating the north-south direction. The compass rose on the compass card provides reference points for navigation.
How can you fix a compass that is next to a magnet?
To fix a compass near a magnet, move the compass away from the magnet to ensure accurate readings. If that doesn't work, try demagnetizing the compass by rubbing a strong magnet in the opposite direction. Finally, calibrate the compass according to manufacturer instructions to reset its accuracy.
Why does a compass always work?
A compass works by aligning itself with the Earth's magnetic field. The needle of the compass is magnetized, pointing towards the magnetic north pole. As long as the Earth's magnetic field remains stable and the compass is not influenced by nearby magnetic objects, it will always point north.
What kind of force allows a navigation compass to work?
A navigation compass works based on the force of Earth's magnetic field. The compass needle is magnetized and aligns itself with the magnetic field, pointing towards the magnetic North Pole.
How do you make a circle with a compass?
If your unable to figure out how to work a compass its probably best not to use it.
Why does the portable sundial need compass?
Because he portable sundial does not work without a compass
Why does a portable sundial need a compass?
Because he portable sundial does not work without a compass
What does the 'compass' tell you?
The compass indicates the direction of magnetic North, from that you can work out South, East, West and all the other points on the compass.
How does compass work in mobile?
The iPhone's digital compass application works just like any magnetic-needle compass. Launch the application by tapping the "Compass" button on the iPhone's.
What made the sin-an work as a compass?
Bronze
How does a compass work in physical education?
the clock is rotating like the sun and that's how a compass works in physical education.
What do you do if zombie craft maps do not work?
then make a compass
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 a gyro compass work?
Rather than type a long answer - see the related link from Wikipedia for their entry on a gyro-compass.
What metal does a compass have to be away from to work?
Iron or steel. Since it is a magnet, a compass will point to iron instead of pointing North.
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
