The Earths Magnetism – Class 12 | Chapter – 5 | Physics Short Notes Series PDF for NEET & JEE

The Earths Magnetism: The Earths magnetism refers to the magnetic field that surrounds the Earth. The Earth’s magnetic field is generated by the motion of molten iron in the Earth’s outer core, which acts like a giant electromagnet. The magnetic field extends from the interior of the Earth out into space, where it forms the magnetosphere.

The Earth’s magnetic field is important for several reasons. It helps protect the Earth from the solar wind, a stream of charged particles that flows from the Sun, by deflecting the particles around the Earth. This creates the auroras, the spectacular displays of light in the sky that occur near the Earth’s poles. The magnetic field also plays a crucial role in navigation, as it allows compasses to work and helps airplanes and ships navigate accurately.

The Earth’s magnetic field is not constant, and it has undergone significant changes throughout the planet’s history. The strength of the magnetic field is also not uniform across the surface of the Earth, and it can vary over time. Scientists study the Earth’s magnetic field to understand its behavior and its effect on the Earth and its inhabitants.

Theory of the Earths Magnetism

The theory of the Earths magnetism states that the Earth’s magnetic field is generated by the motion of liquid iron in the Earth’s outer core. This motion creates electric currents, which in turn generate a magnetic field. This process is known as the dynamo theory.

The exact details of the dynamo process are not fully understood, but it is thought to involve the interaction of the Earth’s rotation, convection in the outer core, and the properties of the molten iron. The motion of the iron is influenced by the rotation of the Earth and by thermal and density gradients in the core.

The Earth’s magnetic field is not static, and it can vary over time. The magnetic field has flipped polarity many times throughout the Earth’s history, with the north and south magnetic poles switching places. These flips can be seen in the rocks on the ocean floor, which have preserved a record of the Earth’s magnetic field over millions of years.

Causes of the Earths Magnetism

The Earths magnetism is caused by the motion of molten iron in the Earth’s outer core. The molten iron generates electric currents, which in turn create a magnetic field. This process is known as the dynamo theory and is the most widely accepted explanation for the Earth’s magnetic field.

The motion of the molten iron is thought to be driven by a combination of factors, including the rotation of the Earth, convective motion in the outer core, and the properties of the molten iron itself. The exact details of the dynamo process are not fully understood, but it is believed that the interaction between the various factors creates a self-sustaining magnetic field.

The Earths magnetic field is not static and can vary over time. The magnetic field has flipped polarity many times throughout the Earth’s history, with the north and south magnetic poles switching places. These reversals can be seen in the rocks on the ocean floor, which have preserved a record of the Earth’s magnetic field over millions of years.

Components of the Earths Magnetism

There are three components that are responsible for the magnitude as well as the direction of the earths magnetism field:

  • Magnetic declination
  • Magnetic inclination or the angle of dip
  • Horizontal component of the earth’s magnetic field
Component Definition Description
B Total Magnetic-field Strength vector B=(X2 + Y2 + Z2)
X Magnetic field component along Geographic North direction X = H cos α
Y Magnetic field component along Geographic East direction Y = H sin α
Z Magnetic field component pointing vertically downwards
H Magnetic field component parallel to the earth’s surface (Points towards the magnetic south pole) H = (X2 + Y2)
α Magnetic declination: Angle between true north and magnetic north α = tan1YX
θ Magnetic Inclination: Angle measured from horizontal to magnetic field vector. It is 90 deg at magnetic poles. θ = tan1ZH

 


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By Team Learning Mantras