Physics H project (don't ask)
Blog Entry: Physics H project (don't ask)
Blog Entry: Physics H project (don't ask)
A magnetic field is defined as a vector field that exist in a region of space where a magnetic force occurs. As many are aware, a magnet has a North and a South pole. Doesn’t this sound familiar? Yes, our very own Earth has North and South poles, so, it has it’s own magnetic field as well. The cause of earth’s magnetic field is an electric current that flows through earth’s molten metal outer core as it rotates. It can be easily be compared to a permanent bar magnet, however, it is a far more complex system. This topic has been observed for centuries, from the ancient Chinese to early European explorers, but it wasn’t until recently that anything could be fully explained.
While the Chinese could not explain or fully understand earth’s magnetic field, they were the first ones to utilize it with their creation of the compass. Their compass consisted of a magnetized needle suspended by a thread. As many now know how a compass works, it’s needle would point to the North pole, where the magnetic force is attracted to. At this time, they were able to observe that the needle didn’t always point parallel to a given geographic median, and it pointed slightly away from the “true north.” This was noted in Europe in the 15th century and was known as magnetic declination.
Later discovered in the 16th century is known as the magnetic dip. The magnetic dip is when a freely suspended needle would dip downward with increasing northern latitude. At the north magnetic pole the needle points straight down and visa versa with the south magnetic pole.
Early navigators hoped that with this information they could map geographical longitude, but they soon discovered that compasses were effected by the northern lights, the time of year, and geographical location.
Many different scientists have worked on investigating earth’s magnetic field. One of the earliest scientists to investigate this matter was William Gilbert. William Gilbert was an English physician and natural philosopher. He is best known for his investigations of magnetism and electricity. During his time people thought that magnetic force came from electrical influence in the sky. People believed that it was the pole star or a large magnetic island on the north pole that attracted the compass. Gilbert conducted an experiment using his model earth. He mounted magnetized needles horizontally and vertically determining that the magnetic force came from the earth itself, and not the sky.
Years after Gilbert’s discovery there were still many discrepancies on this topic. To conduct further research, Friedrich von Humboldt traveled to North and South America on a five year exploration. He discovered that magnetic intensity declined the closer he was to the equator. He then initiated an international geomagnetic survey of the earth. With the information he gathered he was able to indicate that the Earth was a magnet itself, with variations in declination and dip caused by geo-electric currents and short-term variations from electric charges in the atmosphere. Friedrich was able to give an explanation to Gilbert’s conclusion that the magnetic force comes from earth.
Many other scientists have looked into this topic and since and will likely continue to do so. Each of the many scientists discovered relevant bits and pieces, however, this topic has proven to be a puzzle that has yet to be totally put together.
While the Chinese could not explain or fully understand earth’s magnetic field, they were the first ones to utilize it with their creation of the compass. Their compass consisted of a magnetized needle suspended by a thread. As many now know how a compass works, it’s needle would point to the North pole, where the magnetic force is attracted to. At this time, they were able to observe that the needle didn’t always point parallel to a given geographic median, and it pointed slightly away from the “true north.” This was noted in Europe in the 15th century and was known as magnetic declination.
Later discovered in the 16th century is known as the magnetic dip. The magnetic dip is when a freely suspended needle would dip downward with increasing northern latitude. At the north magnetic pole the needle points straight down and visa versa with the south magnetic pole.
Early navigators hoped that with this information they could map geographical longitude, but they soon discovered that compasses were effected by the northern lights, the time of year, and geographical location.
Many different scientists have worked on investigating earth’s magnetic field. One of the earliest scientists to investigate this matter was William Gilbert. William Gilbert was an English physician and natural philosopher. He is best known for his investigations of magnetism and electricity. During his time people thought that magnetic force came from electrical influence in the sky. People believed that it was the pole star or a large magnetic island on the north pole that attracted the compass. Gilbert conducted an experiment using his model earth. He mounted magnetized needles horizontally and vertically determining that the magnetic force came from the earth itself, and not the sky.
Years after Gilbert’s discovery there were still many discrepancies on this topic. To conduct further research, Friedrich von Humboldt traveled to North and South America on a five year exploration. He discovered that magnetic intensity declined the closer he was to the equator. He then initiated an international geomagnetic survey of the earth. With the information he gathered he was able to indicate that the Earth was a magnet itself, with variations in declination and dip caused by geo-electric currents and short-term variations from electric charges in the atmosphere. Friedrich was able to give an explanation to Gilbert’s conclusion that the magnetic force comes from earth.
Many other scientists have looked into this topic and since and will likely continue to do so. Each of the many scientists discovered relevant bits and pieces, however, this topic has proven to be a puzzle that has yet to be totally put together.