Question 3Navigation General

The correct answer is C) Magnetic materials of the same polarity repel each other and those of opposite polarity attract. This is the basic principle underlying the magnetic compass. The compass needle aligns itself with the Earth's magnetic field because the north-seeking end of the needle is attracted to the Earth's north magnetic pole, and the south-seeking end is attracted to the Earth's south magnetic pole. This principle of opposite polarities attracting is what causes the compass needle to point in the direction of the Earth's magnetic north. The other options are incorrect because they do not directly describe the fundamental magnetic principle that enables the compass to function. Option A describes the orientation of the Earth's magnetic lines of force, option B refers to the compensation of the compass, and option D mentions magnetic meridians, but none of these directly explain the basic mechanism that allows the compass needle to align with the Earth's magnetic field.