π Inventions and machines π§ Machines and tools
A compass
π In short
A compass is a small instrument that shows us directions. It has a magnetized needle that turns freely and always points north. Thanks to the compass, sailors, travelers and explorers find their way, even in the desert, at sea or at night.
π€© Did you know?
- Compass discs used to show 32 points of direction.
- Most modern compasses are marked with 360 degrees.
- A compass goes wrong near magnets and electrical devices.
- Smartphones have a small electronic compass.
π Find out more
π Why does it point north?
The Earth is like a giant magnet. A compass needle is a small magnet, so it's pulled toward the Earth's magnetic north pole and always points to it.
π The four directions
Under the compass needle is a disc marked with the main directions, north, south, east and west, the directions between them, and degrees from zero to 360.
π‘ The compass's journey
Long ago the Chinese discovered that some magnetic stones point north, then Arab and Muslim sailors used compasses on their long voyages, and from them it reached Europe.
π― Make a compass
Stroke a sewing needle with a magnet several times in the same direction, then lay it on a small piece of cork floating in a dish of water, and the needle will turn until it points north!
πΈ More pictures
𧩠Test yourself
1 Which way does a compass needle point?
2 What is a compass needle made of?
3 Compass discs used to show ?? points of direction.
4 Which picture shows βA compassβ?
π Discover more
π· Picture sources: Wikimedia Commons
- Jacek Halicki Β· CC BY-SA 4.0
- Arpingstone Β· Public domain
- Siberex Β· CC BY 3.0
- Etan J. Tal Β· CC BY-SA 4.0
