Plotting magnetic fields
Aprenda jogando
Responda a estas perguntas para ganhar energia, depois pesque e explore. Sem precisar de conta.
Notas de aula
Magnetic Fields and Compasses
- Iron filings show the shape of a magnetic field but not its direction.
- A plotting compass is a small bar magnet that is free to rotate.
- The north pole of the compass needle points towards magnetic south.
- To plot a field: place a bar magnet on paper, move a plotting compass around, mark the needle direction at each position, then join the arrows to show field lines.
- Compasses are also used for navigation.
Earth's Magnetic Field
- Earth's outer core is made of molten iron and nickel, producing a magnetic field.
- The field shape is similar to that of a bar magnet.
- The geographic North Pole is near (but not exactly at) Earth's magnetic south pole.
- A compass needle points towards magnetic south, which is near the geographic North Pole.
Key Facts and Questions
- True or false: a compass points towards Earth's magnetic north. False (it points to magnetic south).
- True or false: a compass can be used for navigation. True.
- True or false: the geographic North Pole is near Earth's magnetic south pole. True.
- A compass is made of a small bar magnet (magnetised material).
- The Earth's outer core is made of iron and nickel; the third magnetic metal is cobalt.
- A compass shows direction of the field, unlike iron filings which only show shape.
- Electronic devices produce magnetic fields that can deflect the compass needle, giving false readings.
- The magnetic field is strongest at the poles (field lines are closest together there).
- Without Earth's magnetic field, compasses would not work for navigation because there would be no consistent direction to point.
Using a plotting compass to trace magnetic field lines around a bar magnet. The compass needle aligns with the field direction (N pole points away from magnet's N pole).
Earth's magnetic field resembles a bar magnet. The geographic North Pole is near the magnetic south pole, so a compass needle (north pole) points toward geographic north.
Slides
Sign up free to view the lesson slides
Step through every slide for this topic — plus flashcards and revision notes — with a free account.
Questões de prática
Prévia grátis — 8 de 62 perguntas. Cadastre-se para ver todas.
1.What does a plotting compass consist of?
Easy- AA small bar magnet free to rotate
- BA needle made of plastic
- CA piece of iron filing
- DA liquid crystal display
2.Which pole of a plotting compass points towards magnetic south?
Easy- ANorth pole
- BSouth pole
- CBoth poles
- DNeither pole
3.What is the Earth's outer core made of?
Easy- AMolten iron and nickel
- BSolid rock
- CLiquid water
- DMolten aluminium
4.Which of the following is NOT a magnetic metal?
Easy- ACopper
- BIron
- CNickel
- DCobalt
5.What is an advantage of using a plotting compass over iron filings to investigate a magnetic field?
Easy- AIt shows the direction of the field
- BIt is cheaper
- CIt shows the shape of the field more clearly
- DIt works without a magnet
6.Why should a compass not be used near an electronic device?
Easy- AThe device's magnetic field will affect the compass reading
- BThe compass will damage the device
- CThe compass will run out of battery
- DThe device's electric field will repel the compass
7.Where is Earth's magnetic field strongest?
Easy- AAt the poles
- BAt the equator
- CIn the middle of the oceans
- DIn the atmosphere
8.If Earth had no magnetic field, could compasses be used for navigation?
Medium- ANo, because compasses rely on Earth's magnetic field
- BYes, because compasses use the stars
- CYes, because compasses use the Sun
- DNo, because compasses would point to geographic north
Unlock all 62 questions, flashcards & more
Crie uma conta grátis para ver todas as perguntas, os slides, flashcards e resumos de revisão deste tópico.