How did a chronometer help European explorers during the Age of Discovery?
It was a navigational tool used to calculate a unit of speed equal to one nautical mile per hour, helping to gauge a ship’s speed.
It was navigational instrument used to measure time and calculate longitude despite weather conditions or motion.
It was a navigational tool used to determine the strength and direction of coastal winds based on a system of levers and pulleys.
It was a navigational tool used to estimate the depth of the sea to pinpoint and notate landmarks across long sea voyages.
I have a feeling is D or B. I'm not completely sure.
Yes, B. And a chronometer was a clock.
Which is it. Be sure you know what a chronometer is. That will tell your the correct answer.
is it B? Because a chronometer was basically a watch back then right?
Oh wait, never mind I know now. Thank you! :)
The correct answer is B. A chronometer, in the context of European explorers during the Age of Discovery, was a navigational instrument used to measure time and calculate longitude despite weather conditions or motion.
To better understand why this is the correct answer, let's break it down further.
During the Age of Discovery, European explorers embarked on long voyages to explore new territories and establish trade routes. One of the significant challenges they faced was accurately determining their position at sea. To do this, they needed to know both their latitude (north-south position) and their longitude (east-west position). While latitude could be determined relatively easily through celestial navigation using tools like a quadrant or astrolabe, determining longitude was much more challenging.
Longitude could be calculated by comparing the local time of a ship with the time at a known reference point, such as a port or observatory. However, this method was not accurate enough for long sea voyages. To solve this problem, the chronometer was developed.
A chronometer is a highly precise timekeeping device. It was designed to maintain accurate time even in the challenging conditions of a moving ship at sea. By comparing the time on the chronometer with the time at a known reference point, such as a port, explorers could calculate the time difference and therefore determine their longitude. This was crucial for accurate navigation and avoiding hazards like reefs or uncharted coastlines.
So, in summary, the chronometer played a vital role in helping European explorers during the Age of Discovery by providing a reliable method to measure time and calculate longitude, allowing for safer and more accurate navigation on their sea voyages.