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A sundial is a device that tells time based on the sun's relative position. It has a triangular part that stands up from the dial, casting a shadow that points to different parts of the dial through the day. It needs to be set up for where it will be used, and daily equation of time offsets need to be manually compensated for.

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12y ago
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8mo ago

Sundials are timekeeping devices that use the position of the sun to indicate the time of day. They consist of a flat plate, called the dial, with a raised pointer, called the gnomon. As the sun moves across the sky, the shadow cast by the gnomon moves across the dial, indicating the time. Sundials work by aligning the gnomon with the sun's position to accurately track the time throughout the day.

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Q: What are sundial and how do they work?
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Which direction must the string run for the sundial to work properly?

The string on a sundial should run north to south for the sundial to work properly and accurately track the time using the shadow cast by the sun.


Why does a portable sundial need a compass?

Because he portable sundial does not work without a compass


Why does the portable sundial need compass?

Because he portable sundial does not work without a compass


What two practical disadvantages of sundials compared with clocks?

A sundial doesn't work at night A sundial doesn't work when the sun is hidden - by clouds, buildings, etc. A sundial only works at the latitude it is designed for - a sundial built for Ecuador woudl not be accurate in New Zealand.


Does a sundial work?

if u know how to use it


Will a sundial work on a cloudy day?

A sundial relies on the position of the sun to cast a shadow, so on a cloudy day when the sun is obscured, a sundial would not be able to accurately tell time.


Why does the portable sundial need a compass?

The compass on a portable sundial helps the user align the sundial accurately north-south, which is crucial for it to give accurate time readings based on the sun's position. By pointing the sundial's gnomon (the part that casts a shadow) towards true north using the compass, the sundial can accurately indicate the time.


What is the name of the instrument that measures time by seeing the shadow?

A sundial uses light to measure time. Of course, it doesn't work well in the evening and on cloudy days.


How does a sundial does not work?

A sundial may not work when it is placed in a location with limited sunlight, such as in a shaded area or during cloudy weather. Additionally, inaccuracies can occur due to changes in the sun's position throughout the year and variations in the sundial's alignment. Finally, improper calibration or design flaws can also lead to incorrect time readings.


What is a sentence with the word sundial in it?

I have a sundial in the garden.The sundial were the earliest form of clocks.


How does a shadow work?

A shadow clock, or sundial, tells the time of day using the position of the Sun. The sun casts a shadow from the sundial's style onto a marked surface of hours.


What are the advantages of using a sundial?

A sundial doesn't work at night. A sundial doesn't work when the sun is hidden - by clouds, buildings, etc