The magnetic compass magnets are acted on by...

Question 1 / 2707066636ee928f7522a1c519b55

Question 1 of 2707066636ee928f7522a1c519b55

The magnetic compass magnets are acted on by the horizontal component of the Earth's total magnetic force. Where is this magnetic force the GREATEST?

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Question 1 of 27070

The magnetic compass magnets are acted on by the horizontal component of the Earth's total magnetic force. Where is this magnetic force the GREATEST?

🔍 Key Concepts

• Earth’s magnetic field components: horizontal vs. vertical (dip) component • How the magnetic dip angle (inclination) changes from magnetic equator to magnetic poles • What part of the field a magnetic compass card actually responds to

💭 Think About

• Think about where the compass needle would tend to point most straight down or up, and what that means for the horizontal part of the field at that location • Consider where on Earth the magnetic field lines are parallel to the Earth’s surface versus where they are steeply inclined • Ask yourself: Does a magnetic compass work best near the poles, the equator, or somewhere in between? Why?

✅ Before You Answer

• Be clear on the difference between total magnetic force and its horizontal component • Recall how magnetic dip (inclination) is approximately 0°, 90°, or intermediate values at different regions of the Earth • Before choosing, picture how longitudinal (north-south) field lines intersect the Earth’s surface at the equator vs. the poles and how that affects the horizontal component available to drive the compass magnets

Question 1 of 27070

The magnetic compass magnets are acted on by the horizontal component of the Earth's total magnetic force. Where is this magnetic force the GREATEST?

At the north magnetic pole

At the south magnetic pole

At the magnetic prime vertical meridian

At the magnetic equator

Question 1 / 2707066636ee928f7522a1c519b55

Question 1 of 2707066636ee928f7522a1c519b55

The magnetic compass magnets are acted on by the horizontal component of the Earth's total magnetic force. Where is this magnetic force the GREATEST?

Back

Question 1 of 27070

The magnetic compass magnets are acted on by the horizontal component of the Earth's total magnetic force. Where is this magnetic force the GREATEST?