2007-03-10 11:44:07 · 11 answers · asked by colin050659 6 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Engineering
The Chinese
A compass (or mariner's compass) is a navigational instrument for finding directions on the earth. It consists of a magnetized pointer free to align itself accurately with Earth's magnetic field, which is of great assistance in navigation. The cardinal points are north, south, east and west. A compass can be used in conjunction with a chronometer and a sextant to provide a very accurate navigation capability. This device greatly improved maritime trade by making travel safer and more efficient. An early form of compass was invented in China in the 3rd century in 271 AD[1] and is one of four great inventions of ancient China. The familiar mariner's compass was invented in Europe around 1300.
More technically, a compass is a magnetic device using a needle to indicate the direction of the magnetic north of a planet's magnetosphere. Any instrument with a magnetized bar or needle turning freely upon a pivot and pointing in a northerly and southerly direction can be considered a compass. A compass dial is a small pocket compass with a sundial. A variation compass is a specific instrument of a delicate type of construction. It is used by observing variations of the needle. A gyrocompass or astrocompass can also be used to ascertain True north.
2007-03-10 11:48:47 · answer #1 · answered by Sparky 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It is believed that the Chinese invented the compass in the 1100's, but the world's first compass may have actually been devised even earlier during the Han period. It was used for sea navigation back then, and still is today!
Hope this helps :-)))
2007-03-10 11:50:43 · answer #2 · answered by Teejay 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The compass has been used since the early chinese civilisations. The Binnacle and magnetic correction was developed by Lord Kelvin.
2007-03-10 13:34:05 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It was dated back like 2,500 years ago. The Chinese invented it because they would sail everywhere with their boats. They invented it to get the direction on where they were going.
2007-03-10 11:49:01 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Fi Lings, a Chinese cook. He noticed that every time he picked up his iron skillet, he swung round to the North.
2007-03-10 11:54:05 · answer #5 · answered by Harriet 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
IT was the Russians. They claim to have invented everything first.
2007-03-10 11:52:58 · answer #6 · answered by Big C 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Chinese
2007-03-10 11:46:37 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The chinese... they invent EVERYTHING GOOD... (like gunpowder... and torture.
2007-03-10 11:51:22 · answer #8 · answered by russianfool 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ansient Chinese
2007-03-10 11:48:39 · answer #9 · answered by JAMES 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the chinese lol
2007-03-10 12:13:17 · answer #10 · answered by redd 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋