Lensatic Compass - Electromagnetic Applications

Compasses have been used for centuries by sailors navigating through the seas and astronomers gazing to the stars. A Lensatic compass is one of the many kinds of compasses available and has a dial instead of a needle. Due to its sophisticated nature, one should know how to use a Lensatic compass.

1) First, you have to know how to read a Lensatic compass. The compass face is divided into 6400 units. One unit is equivalent to 1 meter of separation at a distance of 1,000 meters.

2) Next, you have to know how to take a bearing. Place it in your hand, with the cover perpendicular to the compass card. The lens should be at a 45º angle and your thumb should be in the thumb hook for stabilization. Read the bearings in relevance to an object by moving the compass up and down.

3) After youÂ’ve taken the bearing of a landmark, it is possible to follow it even if the landmark is not visible. However, you have to occasionally check to see if youÂ’re going the right way.

Lensatic compasses are highly accurate models and are currently used by the U.S Army. There are several things that set it apart from conventional compasses, namely the fact that it uses electromagnetic induction instead of fluid to dampen the needle. It is also dependant on the EarthÂ’s magnetic field for its operation.

Another apparatus that uses electromagnetic induction and magnetic fields is the generator. This amazing piece of machinery was created by Michael Faraday in 1831. Used to convert mechanical energy to electrical energy, one cannot help but wonder how do generators work?

The answer to the question is quite complicated, although it is based on a simple principle. When opposite magnetic poles face each other, invisible lines or magnetic flux connect them. When these lines are cut by an electrical conductor, an electrical current is produced. This is called electromagnetic induction.

Generators basically function on the same idea, although their design allows them to generate more power. The movement of the conductors is usually generated by combustion. There are some models which spin the magnet and allow the flux to be cut by stationary conductors. Generators are used commonly in cars, where it provides electrical energy and charges the battery.

These two objects, Lensatic compass and generator, although seem vastly different, are actually connected in more ways than one. They both involve magnetic fields and electromagnetic induction in one way or another. So, the next time you wonder how to use a Lensatic compass, or how do generators work, wonder no more.