More General Knowledge Questions

how does a compass work?

how does a compass work?

Become an Expert →

Answer #1

The compass is a simple instrument that makes use of the earths magnetic fields to determine something called magnetic north. This point is different from true north which is a concept derived from mathematically (and artificially) dividing the earth into hemispheres and smaller divisions with the lines we call latitude and longitude. The difference between true north and magnetic north is called magnetic declination and varies by a measurable and predictable number of divisions every year. That the earth’s own polarity (just like any magnet which has a north and south pole, so too is the earth a giant magnet) has shifted over time is useful in understanding the evolution of the earth and the position its found in today. I think that explanation should suffice but I’m happy to offer more if you so wish

More Like This

Can I say (I have worked) for past ferfect tense? or I had worked? - 3 Answers
for the past ferfect tense, can I say I have worked or I had worked? thanks
My pictures won't work - 1 Answers
a lot of my pictures on here have little a little red X on them and they wont come up. What so I do to make them work?
what are just random things that work? - 2 Answers
Like really I am not asking what works for a certain thing I am asking what weird random things work? Like you know - how ba...
How does the belly casting thing work? - 5 Answers
My wife is pregnant and I got a suggestion that I should buy that for her. Where do they sell that and how does it work?
How many works did Michelangelo finish? - 1 Answers
How many works in total did Michelangelo finish before he died including paintings, architecture, and sculptures?
What is the significance of Diego Rivera's work? - 1 Answers
I need to know the significance of Diego Rivera's works. like the messages that he is showing in all his works of art... Plea...
How does a snow plough driver get to work? - 2 Answers
Just a random question I find amusing, The snow plough driver helps us along with are day whether that be clearing the roads ...
How ups work? - 1 Answers
Ok ! I want no about my package it was sent to me 3 times but my bell didn't work so I missed ups and they sent my package ba...
Where do SWAT officers work when not on a call? - 1 Answers
Okay, do they meet up in the police station or have their own location? I'm thinking of the place that they would do paperwor...
Is Adobe Premiere hard to work with? - 1 Answers
Because I just opened it and the first thing that popped up was overwhelming and I had no idea what to pick.

© FUNADVICE 2025 · 212bydesign LLC

Answering questions since 2006

[email protected]

Miami, Florida, USA

Built by Biznitos