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Why zero is marked is marked at south end of a prismatic compass?

In a prismatic compass, the zero degree mark is positioned at the south end to facilitate easy reading and navigation. This orientation aligns with the Earth's magnetic field, allowing users to quickly identify directions relative to magnetic north. By placing zero at the south, it helps ensure that the compass can be read intuitively, with degrees increasing clockwise from that point, thus simplifying the process of taking bearings.


What is the name of an old Greek instrument that helps people find their way at sea?

compass


What navigational tools did john Cabot use?

His Navigation tools were the magnetic compass,the log,the lead line,the quadrant or ustrolube, and dead reckoning.


What is the name of each line in basketball?

Center Court Line, Free Throw Line and Base Line.


Why is a compass called a compass?

Answer 1. Nobody really knows.Many years ago there was a verb in English ; to compass. It had several meanings which included "to measure a distance". Its origin was well known, from the Latin "to measure a distance by pacing it out". There are several archaic meanings, all of which are now expressed by the verb 'to encompass' q.v.So far so good ; "to compass" has no mystery about it. What nobody can work out is how we got from the verb to the noun. A compass doesn't seem to have any connection with "to include" or "to pace out", and none of the verb meanings have anything to do with direction. Go figure.Answer 2. Additionally:It doesn't have to do with direction. The compass (compasses) is a bi-pole that's why it is defined as "a pair of compasses". It has to do with the line definition (two points define a line).Answer 3. The second answer serves to further confuse a question which already confuses many people. The original answer only answered the question, which was "why is a compass called a compass ?" ; the answer assumed that the questioner knew what a compass was, and dealt only with the etymology of the word. Well, here's the answer to what the original questioner didn't ask.A compass has everything to do with direction. It is a device to indicate the direction of magnetic north, which navigators or surveyors can correct to true north by using tables of "magnetic variation". Local values of the variation are usually printed on the sides of maps and charts.A pair of compasses has nothing to do with direction. It is simply a pair of dividers with one of the points replaced by something that draws. It is used to describe an arc or draw a circle. Calling it "a compass" is now such a common solecism that some people don't even know what "a pair of compasses" is.The compass of something is the range, domain or extent of that something. To understand this meaning exactly look up "encompass" in a good dictionary. To clear the last bit of confusion, two examplesWas the compass swung ? - Has our magnetic compass been adjusted ?What is the compass of our charts? - What area is covered by them ?

Related Questions

What is the name of a line with which a compass aligns?

A needle


1 What is the name of the line with which a compass aligns?

The name of the line for the compass alignment is the index line. The line and the numbers around the outside edge can be used to plot a course to a distant object.


What is the name of the line with whcih a compass aligns?

The line with which a compass aligns is called the magnetic meridian. This line indicates the direction of the Earth's magnetic field at a specific location. Compasses point towards magnetic north, which is generally close to, but not the same as, true north, due to the Earth's magnetic field being irregular.


Why is the name of the line with which a compass aligns?

The line with which a compass aligns is called "magnetic north." This term refers to the direction that a compass points, which is toward the Earth's magnetic north pole. Unlike true north, which is the geographic North Pole, magnetic north can vary based on geographic location due to the Earth's magnetic field fluctuations. This alignment helps navigators determine direction and orientation.


What is the name of the line which a compass align?

A needle


What is the moveable bar in a compass called?

The movable bar in a compass is called the compass needle. It is typically a thin magnetized bar that aligns with the Earth's magnetic field to indicate direction.


How does a needle on a compass align itself?

A needle on a compass aligns itself with the Earth's magnetic field. The needle is magnetized, with one end pointing towards the Earth's magnetic north pole and the other end pointing towards the magnetic south pole. This alignment allows the needle to point in the direction of magnetic north.


What magnetized steel needle that aligns with the magnetic of the earth is a?

A compass needle is a magnetized steel needle that aligns with the Earth's magnetic field. Its use allows for determining directions such as north, south, east, and west.


What are the parts of magnetic compass?

The main parts of a magnetic compass include the magnetic needle, which aligns with the Earth's magnetic field to indicate direction, and the compass housing, which protects the needle and contains the compass card with directional markings. There is also a lubber line, which is used to read the compass card, and a bezel ring for adjusting the compass heading.


Is a compass needle essentially a magnet?

Yes, a compass needle is essentially a magnet because it aligns with the Earth's magnetic field due to its magnetic properties.


What is name of the compass to find the direction in sea?

The compass used to find direction at sea is called a magnetic compass. It consists of a magnetized needle that aligns itself with the Earth's magnetic field, indicating north. Navigators often use variations of this compass, such as the gyrocompass, which is less affected by magnetic interference and is used for more precise navigation on ships.


What makes compasses point to the North pole?

Magnetism. The compass aligns with the magnetic field of the Earth.