Which navigational consequence would occur on a 18th-century sailing ship if the chronometer's balance spring experienced thermal expansion?

💡 Explanation

When the balance spring expands due to heat, the oscillation period increases, causing the chronometer to run slow because its frequency changes due to modified spring stiffness. Therefore overestimated western longitude results, rather than underestimated eastern or inaccurate bearing/altitude requiring different instrument failures.

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