Why do compasses work if the Earth has such a weak magnetic field?
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How do compasses work if the Earth has such a weak magnetic field? Seems like since Earth has only 1/2 a Guass of magnetic energy, it seems like compasses "should not" work since nowadays, our society has so many man-made things that generate much more magnetic power... Seems like magnetic interference would skew any compass in today's times.... but they don't... they seem to always work... so why? Serious answers please.
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Answer:
Indeed compasses do not work if close enough to other sources of magnetism than Earth's background magnetic field. BUT, if FAR ENOUGH from these other sources, then you can actually measure Earth's background magnetic field. There is a FALL-OFF of any magnetic field based upon distance from the source. Usually, it is inversely proportional to the distance, although it can become inversely proportional to the square of the distance, depending on the nature of the source of magnetism.
David J at Yahoo! Answers Visit the source
Other answers
The Earth's magnetic field is "relatively" weak, but is much stronger than anything we have built so far. The needle of a compass is highly magnetic, and with very little friction on the axle, and that's the only reason it works. Also, man made objects can sometimes divert it. Try using a compass on a metal bridge, and it will not work.
Tol'Satha
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