Plotting Magnetic Fields & Earth's Magnetism

How can the magnetic field around a bar magnet be plotted?

Place a plotting compass at different positions, mark its direction and join the marks to form field lines.

Why should several compass positions be recorded?

To show the shape and direction of the magnetic field accurately.

Why should the direction of the compass needle be marked?

To identify the direction of the magnetic field.

Why should arrows be added to magnetic field lines?

To show the field direction from north to south outside the magnet.

How can the magnetic field pattern be shown using iron filings?

Place paper over a magnet, sprinkle filings and tap gently to reveal the field pattern.

What is the advantage of iron filings?

They provide a quick visual representation of the magnetic field pattern.

What is the limitation of using iron filings?

They do not show the direction of the magnetic field.

What is the advantage of a plotting compass?

It shows both the position and direction of the magnetic field.

Why should nearby magnets and magnetic objects be kept away during field plotting?

They may distort the magnetic field and affect compass readings.

What is Earth's magnetic field?

A magnetic field surrounding Earth that behaves approximately like the field of a large bar magnet.

Why does a compass point approximately north?

Its needle aligns with Earth's magnetic field.

What is a magnetic compass?

A freely rotating magnetised needle that aligns with a magnetic field.

Why is Earth's magnetic field useful for navigation?

It provides a consistent reference direction.

Is Earth's geographic north pole exactly the same as its magnetic pole?

No, geographic and magnetic poles are not at exactly the same location.

Why does the north-seeking end of a compass point towards geographic north?

The magnetic region near geographic north acts approximately as a magnetic south pole, attracting the compass's north-seeking end.