Competency #8
Answer and Explanation
A compass contains a thin magnet, usually called a ‘needle.' The end of the compass needle marked ‘north' will point toward the area of the earth we call the north pole. If you bring a different magnet in close proximity to the compass, the needle will respond to the nearby magnetic field and reorient itself to point to your magnet. You will then have no idea what is geographical north, and will lose your way (assuming you don't know how to read directions from the sun or stars…)
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