Which 18th-century invention enabled navigators to tell time accurately regardless of weather conditions or motion of the ship?
astrolabe
quadrant
sextant
chronometer
D?
The correct answer is D) chronometer. The chronometer, invented in the 18th century, enabled navigators to tell time accurately regardless of weather conditions or the motion of the ship.
Sorry, the correct answer is chronometer. Chronometer was the 18th-century invention that enabled navigators to tell time accurately regardless of weather conditions or motion of the ship.
To arrive at this answer, you can eliminate the other options one by one by understanding their functions and limitations:
1. Astrolabe: While the astrolabe was an important navigational tool used in ancient times, it was not specifically designed to accurately tell time, but rather to measure the angles of celestial objects.
2. Quadrant: Similar to the astrolabe, the quadrant was also used for measuring celestial angles and determining the altitude of objects. It was not primarily used to tell time accurately.
3. Sextant: The sextant, also an important navigational tool, was more advanced than the astrolabe and quadrant. It allowed sailors to measure the angle between two visible objects (usually the sun or stars) to determine their position. However, like the astrolabe and quadrant, it was not originally designed to tell time accurately.
That leaves us with the final option:
4. Chronometer: A chronometer is a highly accurate timekeeping device that was specifically developed to function accurately in various conditions, including onboard a ship. Its high precision and resistance to motion and weather conditions made it a critical tool for determining longitude at sea.
Therefore, the correct answer is "chronometer."