Shouldn't the W (west) and E (east) be transposed on a magnetic compass?

Question

Well, I was looking through some images of compasses, as I'm dealing with some online schoolwork which invilves the differences between the geological and megnetic north and south poles; I suddenly remembered a question I had pondered about for quite some time: "Shouldn't the W (west) and E (east) be transposed on a magnetic compass?"

Well, if you think about it, if you are facing north, the needle will point to the N on the compass. If you are facing south, the needle should point to the S. However, if you were to face north, then turn eastwards, the needle would then be attracted to your left (towards the north) but would be pointed towards the W on the compass, even though you're facing east.

Am I missing something? Is my logic flawed?

Please correct me before I burn a hole in my brain. These kinds of things make me anxious when I can't figure them out.

- Brandon

Answer 1

It depends on how you use the compass.  Most compasses that do not have E and W reversed are not supposed to be used as you're describing them.  The needle always points north, no matter which way you're turned.  What you're supposed to do is turn the compass in your hand until the "N" on the compass is under the needle.  Then, all four of the markings will be facing the right direction.

So, if you're facing east, the needle will be pointing to your left.  You turn the compass in your hand until the N is under the needle.  Then, the E will be in the direction you're facing -- showing that you're facing east.