The magnetic compass uses which field?

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Multiple Choice

The magnetic compass uses which field?

The magnetic compass relies on Earth's magnetic field. The needle is a tiny magnet that can rotate freely, and it will align with the direction of the local magnetic field at the surface. Because this field runs roughly north–south across the planet, the needle points toward magnetic north, giving you a stable directional reference for navigation. Sunlight, gravity from the Moon, or magnetic disturbances from electric currents in the hull don’t provide a consistent orientation reference; in fact, nearby currents can distort readings. The field that actually guides the compass is the Earth's magnetic field, generated by motions in the Earth's outer core.

The magnetic compass relies on Earth's magnetic field. The needle is a tiny magnet that can rotate freely, and it will align with the direction of the local magnetic field at the surface. Because this field runs roughly north–south across the planet, the needle points toward magnetic north, giving you a stable directional reference for navigation. Sunlight, gravity from the Moon, or magnetic disturbances from electric currents in the hull don’t provide a consistent orientation reference; in fact, nearby currents can distort readings. The field that actually guides the compass is the Earth's magnetic field, generated by motions in the Earth's outer core.

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