Earth's Magnetic Field Review Guide

universe

The universe encompasses all of space, time, matter, and energy, including galaxies, stars, planets, and cosmic phenomena.

earth

The third planet from the Sun, known for its ability to support life, characterized by its atmosphere, liquid water, and diverse ecosystems.

Sun

The Sun is the star at the center of the Solar System, providing light and heat to Earth and other celestial bodies. It is primarily composed of hydrogen and helium and plays a crucial role in the dynamics of the Solar System.

milky way galaxy

The Milky Way Galaxy is the galaxy that contains our Solar System, characterized by its spiral shape and composed of billions of stars, gas, and dust.

solar system

The gravitationally bound system of the Sun and the celestial bodies that orbit it, including planets, moons, asteroids, and comets.

solar neighborhood

The region of space surrounding the Solar System, containing nearby stars and their planetary systems.

magnetosphere

The region around a planet dominated by its magnetic field, protecting it from solar and cosmic radiation.

non contact forces

Forces that act at a distance without physical contact, such as gravitational, magnetic, and electric forces.

magnet

An object that produces a magnetic field, attracting or repelling other magnetic materials and influencing charged particles.

dipolar

Having two poles, typically referring to a magnetic field with distinct north and south poles.

magnetism

The physical phenomenon produced by the motion of electric charges, resulting in attractive and repulsive forces between objects.

magnetic field lines

Invisible lines that represent the direction and strength of a magnetic field, showing how the field extends through space.

iron fillings

Small particles of iron used to visualize magnetic fields by aligning along magnetic field lines.

electromagnet

A type of magnet in which the magnetic field is produced by an electric current. This allows for the magnet's strength to be controlled by adjusting the current.

electric current

The flow of electric charge, typically measured in amperes, that can produce a magnetic field when it passes through a conductor.

electromagnetic

A phenomenon involving the interaction of electric and magnetic fields, often associated with electromagnetic waves such as light.