Q:
What Is the Difference Between True North and Magnetic North?
A:
Quick Answer
True north is a geographical direction, whereas magnetic north is a reading on a compass. True north never changes; it represents how you get from one point to another on a map by following the lines of longitude.
Continue Reading
Credit:
Olga Filonenko
CC-BY-2.0
Full Answer
Magnetic north is a point in arctic Canada that shifts location because of the Earth's magnetic fields. The difference between true north and magnetic north is called the magnetic declination. There are areas in the world where true north and magnetic north align that are called agonic lines. The easiest way to find true north is with a Global Positioning System (GPS).
Learn more about MagnetismRelated Questions
-
Q:
Who Invented the Magnetic Compass?
A: The magnetic compass was invented by the Chinese around the 4th century B.C., and was originally used as a figurative aid to help manage their daily lives.... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
How Do You Build a Magnetic Generator?
A: Building a magnetic generator involves inserting a nail through the centers of two cardboard circles so the circles are 1.5 inches apart, insulating the na... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
Is Aluminum Magnetic?
A: Aluminum is not magnetic. It is considered paramagnetic and only reacts weakly when it's subject to a magnetic field. When the magnetic field is removed, a... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What Elements Are Magnetic?
A: Iron, nickel, cobalt and gadolinium are naturally ferromagnetic elements. Common usage of the term "magnetic" refers to this form of magnetism. Other eleme... Full Answer >Filed Under:
You May Also Like
-
Q:
What Is the Difference Between a Theodolite and a Transit?
-
Q:
What Is the Difference Between Constructive and Destructive Forces?
-
Q:
What Is the Difference Between a Dessert Spoon and a Table Spoon?
-
Q:
What Is the Difference Between Classical and Modern Liberalism?
-
Q:
What Is the Difference Between a Faction and a Political Party?
-
Q:
What Is the Difference Between an AC and DC Current?
