What causes variation in a compass?

What causes variation in a compass?

Question 1 of 2707066636ee928f7522a1c5192a4

What causes variation in a compass?

Question 1 of 27070

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Q

What causes variation in a compass?

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🔍 Key Concepts

• Difference between variation and deviation in compass errors • Source of the Earth's magnetic field • Whether the cause is inside the vessel or outside the vessel

💭 Think About

• Ask yourself: Is variation the same everywhere on the ship, or does it change from place to place on the globe? • Would variation be shown on a nautical chart, or adjusted for using soft iron and magnets around the compass? • Which of these choices could affect EVERY ship in the same geographic area, regardless of its construction or cargo?

✅ Before You Answer

• Confirm that variation is related to the difference between true north and magnetic north • Confirm that deviation (not variation) is caused by magnetism inside the vessel • Eliminate any options that sound like mechanical problems rather than magnetic ones