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:
How does a magnetic compass work?
A: A compass works by utilizing the Earth's magnetism in order to find directions. Its invention enabled people to perform navigation over long distances, ope... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
Why does a compass point north?
A: A compass has a small magnet balanced on its needle. The Earth has two magnetic poles, and the magnet is attracted to its polar opposite at the North Pole. Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
How do I describe how a compass needle aligns itself?
A: A compass needle is made of magnetized material and points toward Earth's north magnetic pole no matter which direction the compass faces. Therefore, it is... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
How does a ship's compass work?
A: Gyroscopic compasses are used aboard transportation such as ships and airplanes. Spinning gyroscopes copy the behavior of a magnetic compass by using a mag... Full Answer >Filed Under:
