What is the result of accelerating north while in flight?

When an aircraft accelerates, it experiences a change in its motion that can affect the magnetic compass. In the case of accelerating while flying north, the compass will typically lag behind the actual heading due to inertia.

As the airplane moves forward, the compass relies on magnetic influences, and the pivot system within the compass can cause it to momentarily indicate a heading that is behind the aircraft’s actual heading. This phenomenon occurs because the inertia of the compass card causes it to remain in its previous position longer than the rest of the aircraft is moving.

This lag does not occur for all directions of travel, as the effects can vary based on whether the aircraft is accelerating or decelerating and also the heading in which the aircraft is traveling. Understanding this behavior is crucial for pilots when interpreting compass readings, especially during turns or changes in speed.

While the other choices address various conditions the compass may experience during flight, the specific condition of accelerating north is accurately described by the compass lagging behind the actual heading.