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Chapter 10: Problem 14

Could you use a magnetic compass to navigate on the Moon? Why or why not?

Short Answer

Expert verified
No, you wouldn't be able to use a magnetic compass to navigate on the Moon, because the Moon lacks a significant global magnetic field for the compass to align with.

Step by step solution

01

Understand how a magnetic compass works

A magnetic compass works based on the Earth's magnetic field. The needle of the compass is magnetized, and since opposite poles attract, it aligns itself with the Earth's magnetic field, always pointing towards the magnetic North.
02

Consider the Moon's magnetic field

Unlike the Earth, the Moon does not have a significant global magnetic field. This is mainly due to its lack of a liquid metallic core, which, on Earth, is largely responsible for generating the magnetic field via the dynamo effect.
03

Apply understanding to the Moon

Given the lack of a significant global magnetic field on the Moon, a magnetic compass would not be able to align itself to a magnetic field. Consequently, it would not work on the Moon for the purpose of navigation.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

In a whimsical moment during the Apollo 14 mission, astronaut Alan Shepard hit two golf balls over the lunar surface. Give two reasons why they traveled much farther than golf balls do on Earth.

Briefly describe the main differences and similarities between Moon rocks and Earth rocks.

No Apollo mission landed on the far side of the Moon. Why do you suppose this was? What would have been the scientific benefits of a mission to the far side?

Some people who supported the fission theory proposed that the Pacific Ocean basin is the scar left when the Moon pulled away from the Earth. Explain why this idea is probably wrong.

Is it correct to say that the Moon orbits the Earth? If not, what is a more correct description?
See all solutions

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