Question

The points on a compass which show direction are called ________.
A. Legend points
B. Northing
C. Cardinal points
D. None of the above

Answer 1

Hint: It is an instrument used for the purpose of navigating and orientation. They are the vectors which depend on the directions of the planet. It is divided into four directions.

Complete answer:
Option C – The points on the compass which show direction are known as the cardinal points or cardinal directions which are four in number namely north, south, east and west. The two directions, i.e. East and West are perpendicular to North and South at right angles. The East rotates in the clockwise direction from North and West lies opposite to it. The points which lie in between the cardinal directions are known as the points of the compass. There is also a term named as intercardinal or the intercardinal directions are referred to Northeast, Southeast, Southwest and Northwest. The cardinals points also have significance in cases of altitude, depth, up, down, mathematical directions in three-dimensional space etc. It is mainly used by cartographers for the purpose of drawing maps. The names of the directions are related with the degrees of rotation in a unit circle which is used for navigating calculations which are derived from trigonometry for the Global Positioning Satellite.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option C.

Note:In Asia different cultures have included the Centre to be the fifth cardinal point.
Compass was invented in the 2nd century in China during the Han dynasty made up of magnetized stone.
It was used for the purpose of navigation during the Song Dynasty of China.