Final answer:
A simple rule to determine east and west is to use the Sun's path, where it rises in the east and sets in the west. A mnemonic like 'Never Eat Soggy Waffles' can help remember the order of the cardinal points. The Earth's rotation implies time changes with longitude, advancing one hour for every 15° moving east and retreating an hour when moving west.
Step-by-step explanation:
A simple rule to remember when you are uncertain which mark is east and which is west is to think of the Sun's path across the sky. The Sun rises in the east and sets in the west. This is due to Earth's rotation, which moves from west to east. By observing the Sun at different times of the day, you can determine the directions.
For instance, at sunrise the Sun is in the east, at sunset it's in the west. At noon, when the Sun is in the south, shadows will point north. These natural cues can help establish the cardinal directions without needing a compass.
Remembering the order of the cardinal points on a compass can also be helpful: North, East, South, West. A mnemonic to remember this is 'Never Eat Soggy Waffles.' Using these rules, you can visualize a mental map, and if you extend your arms out to the sides, your right hand will point east, and your left will point west.
In addition, understanding the Earth's rotation and its angular relationship with time can reinforce your sense of direction. For example, for every 15° of longitude you move eastward, the local time advances by one hour, and vice versa for moving westward.