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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.

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Marielle Crist

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1mo ago

A magnetic compass aligns with Earth's magnetic field, which points toward magnetic north pole. By using the compass needle to determine the direction it points relative to the cardinal directions (north, south, east, west), you can find your direction on the Earth's surface. Magnetic declination must be taken into account to adjust for the difference between magnetic north and true north.

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Q: How can a magnetic compass be used to find direction on the earth surface?
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Related questions

Where is the magnetic north in a compass?

The magnetic north on a compass is the direction that aligns with the Earth's magnetic field. This direction may not be the same as true north, which is the direction towards the North Pole. Magnetic north can vary slightly depending on your location on the Earth's surface.


What is magnetic meridian in compass surveying?

The magnetic meridian in compass surveying is the line passing through a compass needle when it is freely suspended and allowed to align with the Earth's magnetic field. It represents the direction of the magnetic north pole at a particular location on the Earth's surface. It is an important reference in compass surveying for determining directions.


How a magnetic compass can be used to find directions on Earths 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.


What direction does the magnetic needle of a compass point to?

The magnetic needle of a compass points towards the Earth's magnetic North Pole.


An instrument for telling direction?

A compass is an instrument used to determine direction by aligning with the Earth's magnetic field. It typically consists of a magnetic needle that points towards the Earth's magnetic north.


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.


What direction does the needle of a magnetic compass point?

The needle of a magnetic compass points towards the Earth's magnetic north pole. This allows users to determine their direction relative to the magnetic poles.


What is the function of the earth induction compass?

An Earth induction compass uses the Earth's magnetic field to determine direction. It employs a coil that interacts with the Earth's magnetic field to provide an accurate indication of north.


What instrument is used for determining direction?

A compass. The North magnetic pole is in the direction of the N on the compass. Therefore, the North magnetic pole is in fact a magnetic field south pole since it *attracts* the north magnetic field pole of the compass magnet.


What is the name of the force that changes direction of a compass needle?

The force that changes the direction of a compass needle is called the magnetic force, which is generated by the Earth's magnetic field.


A magnetic compass indicates direction because?

it aligns with the Earth's magnetic field, which points towards the magnetic North Pole. This allows the compass needle to always indicate the north-south direction for navigation purposes.


Is a compass affected by the earths magnetic field?

Yes, a compass works by aligning itself with the Earth's magnetic field to determine direction. The needle in a compass is magnetized and will point towards the Earth's magnetic north pole.