If no, why do we use a compass for finding north?...
2007-11-29 11:17:42 · 12 answers · asked by tralala 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Earth Sciences & Geology
No. they dont they point to magnetic north which is actually 82.7° N 114.4° W (2005 estimate) not the exact north pole. but we use compasses because they are pretty darn close. but satellite or global positioning is more accurate.
2007-11-29 11:24:19 · answer #1 · answered by Billie V 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Compasses point to the magnetic north pole. Its location changes yearly, due to fluctuations in the magnetic field of the sun. Compasses are useful for maintaining a straight course of travel. It is possible to find true north with a compass if you know the offset angle of true north from the current compass north. However this requires a proper map and compass. All this is why GPS is superior.
2007-11-29 11:24:08 · answer #2 · answered by Curtis 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
They point to the magnetic poles. The North Magnetic Pole falls in Canada, near Bothia Peninsule. If you were in the North pole, your compass would point to the south, to the magnetic pole. The South Magnetic Pole falls in the Pacific Ocean, outside the Antarctica.
The magnetic poles are not fixed and can change location. They also can enchange ( north ââºsouth) .
2007-11-29 11:57:52 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Compasses point to "Magnetic North" which is different from the actual North Pole.
2007-11-29 11:23:02 · answer #4 · answered by kuntryguyy 4 · 7⤊ 0⤋
oint to what is called magetintic north or the earths magnetic pole. its currently located around Hudson bay in Canada. you got a better way to finding north?
2007-11-29 11:23:31 · answer #5 · answered by snow 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually, the Earth acts like a giant magnet. You have to assume that the Earth's south end is at the North Pole. Hence, you can follow the "opposites attract"
2007-11-29 11:23:33 · answer #6 · answered by Luke C 3 · 0⤊ 4⤋
yes they do cuz there are something like magnetic forces in the north and south pole which makes the compass point north or someting like dat
2007-11-29 11:21:07 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 5⤋
No it points to MAGNETIC north.
2007-11-29 11:23:12 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 0⤋
no compasses are just a scam, people just used them as a fashion accessory for thousands of years, they weren't used to figure out where one was going or anything.
2007-11-29 11:21:05 · answer #9 · answered by Ponteeee 2 · 0⤊ 5⤋
Yes. Unless the compass is busted up or something.
2007-11-29 11:19:59 · answer #10 · answered by Adelaide S 3 · 0⤊ 6⤋