Question 665Navigation General

70% to pass

At the magnetic equator there is no induced magnetism in the vertical soft iron because _______________.

A the intercardinal headings have less than 1° error
B there is no vertical component of the Earth's magnetic field
C the quadrantal error is 0°
D the lines of force cross the equator on a 0°-180° alignment
AI Explanation

The correct answer is B) there is no vertical component of the Earth's magnetic field. At the magnetic equator, the Earth's magnetic field is entirely horizontal, with no vertical component. This means that there is no induced magnetism in vertical soft iron objects, such as the compass's binnacle, because there is no vertical field to induce magnetism. The other answer choices are incorrect because they do not directly address the lack of a vertical magnetic field component at the magnetic equator.

Related Questions
Q609:Which of the following may introduce error into a magnetic compass? Q328:Under the IALA Buoyage Systems, a spherical buoy will mark the _______________. Q1153:A strong, often violent, northerly wind occurring on the Pacific coast of Mexico... Q33:Distance along a track line is measured on a Mercator chart by using the _______... Q566:The Sailing Directions (Planning Guide) contain information on all of the follow...

Ready to test your knowledge?

Take a Navigation General Practice Exam
Official Resources
USCG Navigation Rules (COLREGS) 33 CFR Navigation Rules USCG National Maritime Center
← Previous All Questions Next →

Want to practice with timed exams?

Download Coast Guard Exams for the full exam experience.

App Store