Question

When a magnetic compass is not in use for a prolonged period of time it should ____________.

A) be shielded from direct sunlight
B) be locked into a constant heading
C) have any air bubbles replaced with nitrogen
D) have the compensating magnets removed

Answer 1

A magnetic compass should be locked into a constant heading when not in use for a prolonged period of time to prevent inaccurate readings.

Step-by-step explanation:

A magnetic compass should be locked into a constant heading when not in use for a prolonged period of time.

Locking the compass into a constant heading means ensuring that the compass needle is aligned with the Earth's magnetic field lines. This prevents the needle from becoming magnetized in a different direction and causing inaccurate readings.

For example, if the compass is left in a random heading for a long time, the needle may become magnetized by nearby magnetic objects and no longer accurately point to the north.