93.4k views
0 votes
Veering off 1 degree in a plane will set you off course

A) due to the curvature of the Earth's surface
B) as a result of atmospheric disturbances
C) because of the Earth's magnetic field
D) considering the sensitivity of navigation instruments

User GrzegorzM
by
8.4k points

1 Answer

5 votes

Final answer:

The orientation of the compass needle will not change when flying due west along the equator.

Step-by-step explanation:

When you are in an airplane flying due west along the equator, the orientation of the compass needle will not change. This is because the Earth's magnetic north pole is assumed to be at the same location as its geographic north pole. As you continue flying due west, the compass needle will remain perpendicular to your direction of motion, and the north pole of the needle dipole will continue to point to your right.

User Jim Biard
by
7.8k points