Considering our discussion of magnetic fields, how is it that the north pole of

Question

Considering our discussion of magnetic fields, how is it that the north pole of a compass needle points toward the earth's geographical North Pole? If the earth is such a large magnet how can the magnetic field of such a small bar magnet affect the position of a compass needle? Can two different magnetic field lines ever cross each other? Why of why not? How would you determine the polarities of the ring magnets? What would happen if the pencil were removed while the ring magnets were positioned in each trial of step 6?

Explanation / Answer

1. The geographical North pole of the Earth is actually the magnetic south pole.As opposite poles attract, the north pole of a compass needle is attracted to the Earth's magnetic south pole, hence pointing towards the geographical north pole.

2. Even though earth is a large magnet ,the magnetic field strength is 25-60 microTesla, which is very small compared to bar magnets.Thus, the compass needle experiences much larger force due to the bar magnet, affecting its position.

3. Magnetic field line is an imaginary line whose slope at any point gives the direction of the magnetic field.at that point.If the field lines cross each other, at the point of intersection, their would be magnetic field acting in 2 different directions at the same time, which is impossible.Thus, magnetic field lines never cross each other.

4. By using a compass needle,we can determine the north pole of the ring magnet.

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