TOPIC

Earth's magnetic field

using a compass needle,
bar magnet, by plotting
magnetic field lines and
tangent galvanometer.

V Janapriyan
6487

physics investigatory project

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DISCLAIMER

This project is a work of individual

investigation with its sources available as open source.
The author does not hold any responsibility for the
accuracy and reliability the understated information.

ACKNOLEDGEMENT

I would like to extend my gratitude to our

Physics master for his continuous support and
guidance throughout making this project. I would also
like to notify my thanks to all the authors responsible
for the information stated in this project. Without
them this would not be possible.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

S TOPIC PAGE
NO NO

1 Earth's magnetic field using a Compass Needle 4

2 Earth's magnetic field using a Bar Magnet 6

3 Earth's magnetic field by plotting Field lines 7

4 Earth's magnetic field using Tangent 9

Galvanometer
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INTRODUCTION
The Earth's magnetic field is a fascinating and essential aspect
of our planet that plays a crucial role in sustaining life and
shaping our environment. Generated by the motion of molten
iron in the outer core, this invisible force extends far beyond
the surface, creating a protective shield against harmful solar
radiation and cosmic rays. Understanding the magnetic field is
not only vital for navigation—impacting everything from
ancient seafaring to modern GPS technology—but it also
provides insights into the Earth's interior, geological processes,
and even the behavior of animals that rely on it for migration.
As we explore the complexities of the magnetic field, we
uncover its significance in both the past and future of our
planet, revealing a dynamic interplay between Earth's geology,
atmosphere, and life itself.

Earth's magnetic field using a compass needle

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Earth is like a giant magnet with a North and South

Pole. However, the magnetic North and South Pole are not
aligned with the Geographic North and South Pole. The
Geographic North Pole is defined by the latitude 90° N and is
the axis of the Earth's rotation. The Magnetic North Pole is
where the Earth's magnetic field points vertically downward.
The Earth creates its own magnetic field from the electric
currents created in the liquid iron-nickel core. In order to
illustrate the earth's magnetic field, three datasets for Earth's
Magnetism have been created. All of these datasets show the
changes in the magnetic field from 1590 - 2010. The first
dataset shows the magnetic field lines at the surface of the
Earth. The magnetic poles are indicated by stars. The blue lines
show where the magnetic field dips into the Earth and the red
lines show where the magnetic field emerges from the Earth.
Where the field lines are horizontal to the Earth, between the
red and blue lines, is the magnetic equator shaded yellow. The
following image shows the variation in the geographic poles
and the magnetic poles:

The magnetic poles and the geographic poles (true

poles) are located 500 km apart and as we move towards the
poles using a magnetic compass we must acknowledge the
variation in the angle. This angle deviation between geographic
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“true” north or south and the magnetic counterpart is called

the Magnetic declination

Compass needles point in the direction of the

magnetic field lines, which is generally different from the
direction to the Geographic North Pole. The compass pointing
direction can also differ from the direction to the Magnetic
North Pole since the magnetic field lines are not just circles
connecting the magnetic poles. The second dataset shows the
compass pointing directions around the world. The black lines
(meridians) indicate the direction of True North. The angle
between the compass pointing direction and True North is
called magnetic declination. The third dataset shows lines of
equal magnetic declination measured in degrees east (positive)
or west (negative) of True North. The black line is where the
declination equals zero and the direction of True North and
Magnetic North are equal. The Magnetic North and South Poles
are indicated by the black stars. It is important to know the
magnetic declination when using a compass to navigate so that
the direction of True North can be determined. Since the 1970's
the movement of the Magnetic North Pole has accelerated,
which is noticeable in all three datasets.
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Earth's magnetic field using a bar magnet

The magnetic field of Earth can be visualised similar to a bar
magnet. The field lines of our planet look like there is a giant
bar magnet present inside Earth. But there is a catch, if we
assume that there is a giant bar magnet inside Earth then the
south pole of the magnet would be near the geographic north
and vice-versa. This might seem a bit confusing to people who
are not familiar. The image below illustrates the concept:

When it comes to magnets, opposites attract. This fact means

that the north end of a magnet in a compass is attracted to the
south of the magnetic pole.

Earth's magnetic field by plotting Field lines

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To plot the Earth's magnetic field using a plotting compass, you

can:

1. Place a magnet in the centre of a piece of paper and label

the north and south poles.

2. Put the plotting compass at one of the poles.

3. Mark the position of the opposite end of the compass

arrow with a dot.

4. Move the compass so that the front of the arrow matches

the top, and mark another dot.

5. Repeat until you run out of paper.

6. Join the dots to form a line, which shows a line of the

Earth's magnetic field.

7. Repeat the process from a different point to trace another

line of the Earth's magnetic field.

8. Label each line with an arrow pointing from the north pole
to the south pole to indicate its direction.

The Earth's magnetic field is similar to a bar magnet's field, and

can be represented by it. The field lines of the Earth's magnetic
field have the following characteristics:

 Direction: The north pole of a compass will line up with

the Earth's magnetic field lines and point to magnetic
south.

 Distance: The closer the lines, the stronger the magnetic

field.

 Angle: The field lines are parallel to the Earth's surface at

the equator, and perpendicular to the Earth's surface at
the magnetic poles.

 Inclination: The angle of inclination varies predictably

with latitude.
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Earth's magnetic field using tangent

galvanometer
This concept is a project on its own as it is a quite advanced
set-up to study the magnetic fields in a particular co-ordinate
on the surface of Earth. A tangent galvanometer is a device
used to measure the strength of a magnetic field, typically the
Earth's magnetic field. It operates on the principle of the
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tangent law, which relates the magnetic field produced by a

current-carrying coil to the external magnetic field.

Working Principle:

1. Current Flow: When a current flows through the coil, it

generates a magnetic field around the coil.

2. Direction of the Field: The direction of this field can be

determined using the right-hand rule.

3. Tangent Law: The angle θ that the compass needle

deflects from the magnetic meridian is related to the
strength of the magnetic field (B) and the current (I)
flowing through the coil. According to the tangent law:

tan(θ) = Bc/Be

where Bc is the magnetic field due to the coil and Be is the Earth’s
magnetic field.
Measuring Earth's Magnetic Field:

1. Setup: Place the galvanometer on a level surface and

ensure that it is aligned with the magnetic meridian.

2. Adjusting Current: Adjust the current through the coil to

measure the deflection angle of the compass needle.

3. Calculating Be: Rearranging the tangent law gives:

Be = Bc⋅tan(θ)

To find Bc , use:

Bc = μ0nI / 2r

where μ0 is the permeability of free space, n is the

number of turns, I is the current, and r is the radius of the coil.

Conclusion of galvanometric measurement:

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By measuring the deflection angle θ and knowing the current

and the characteristics of the coil, the strength of the Earth's
magnetic field can be calculated. This experiment
demonstrates the interaction between electric currents and
magnetic fields and provides a hands-on understanding of
electromagnetic principles.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, Earth's magnetic field plays a crucial role in

navigation and understanding electromagnetic phenomena.
Tools like compasses, bar magnets, and tangent galvanometers
illustrate the principles of magnetism and its practical
applications. Compasses utilize Earth's magnetic field for
orientation, making them essential for navigation. Bar magnets
demonstrate fundamental magnetic properties, while tangent
galvanometers provide insights into the relationship between
current and magnetic fields, enabling precise measurements.
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Together, these tools enhance our understanding of both

natural and man-made magnetic environments, emphasizing
the significance of magnetic fields in our daily lives and
scientific advancements.

REFERENCE/
BIBLOGRAPHY/
WEBLIOGRAPHY
1. NOAA National Geophysical Data Centre

2. Dr. Christopher S. Baird

3. https://ieeemagnetics.org/event/conference/

students-magnetism/magnetisim-2022
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4. https://www.britannica.com/science/geomagnetic-

field

5. www.slideshare.net