GCSE Combined Science (AQA)

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Magnetic Field Around the Earth

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Magnetism and electromagnetism Permanent and induced magnetism, magnetic forces and fields

Magnetic Field Around the Earth

4:00 Introduction to Magnetic Fields
Spec 4.7.1.2
Previous Magnetic Field Strength Next Magnetic Field Around a Wire
  • The Earth has a magnetic field surrounding it.
  • Magnetic field lines join at the Earth's magnetic poles: the south pole in the Antarctic and the north pole in the Arctic.
  • The forces from the Earth's magnetic field are too weak to notice elsewhere.
  • A compass can demonstrate the existence of the Earth's magnetic field.
  • The compass needle acts like a small bar magnet, responding to the Earth's magnetic field.
  • The compass needle's south pole points to the Earth's magnetic north pole, and its north pole points to the Earth's magnetic south pole.
  • Compasses provide evidence that the Earth's core is magnetic.
  • A compass needle aligns itself along the north-south lines of the Earth's magnetic field.
  • The Earth's magnetic field poles and geographic poles are swapped.
  • The south pole of the compass needle points to the geographic South Pole, which is the magnetic north pole of the Earth.
  • The north pole of the compass needle points to the geographic North Pole, which is the magnetic south pole of the Earth.
  • In exams, you may need to explain the distinction between magnetic and geographic poles, but using geographic names is generally acceptable.

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