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VCE Stuff => VCE Science => VCE Mathematics/Science/Technology => VCE Subjects + Help => VCE Physics => Topic started by: HarveyD on October 03, 2011, 12:25:59 am

Title: Which direction do we assume the Earth's magnetic field is?
Post by: HarveyD on October 03, 2011, 12:25:59 am

Like for this question

Title: Re: Which direction do we assume the Earth's magnetic field is?
Post by: Bozo on October 03, 2011, 10:30:29 am

You have to assume the earths magnetic field is moving in the northerly direction. Just in case you don't know, the earths north pole actually has a southern polarity i.e the magnetic field lines run from the south pole to the north pole. It was called the north pole just for naming purposes. Hence, the magnetic field lines run towards the NORTH pole so using the right hand slap rule, the rod will get pushed west.

Title: Re: Which direction do we assume the Earth's magnetic field is?
Post by: HarveyD on October 03, 2011, 12:36:41 pm

alright, so we can assume that its always in the northerly direction for all questions?

Title: Re: Which direction do we assume the Earth's magnetic field is?
Post by: Lasercookie on October 03, 2011, 12:42:10 pm

Quote from: HarveyD on October 03, 2011, 12:36:41 pm

alright, so we can assume that its always in the northerly direction for all questions?

Pretty much.

I guess that they could tell you that the object isn't aligned with the field or something like that though, forcing you to adjust your directions. I haven't come across a question that asks that with the Earth's magnetic field, but there was one where it asked that with a field direction they gave you.

Title: Re: Which direction do we assume the Earth's magnetic field is?
Post by: HarveyD on October 03, 2011, 12:56:11 pm

okay thanks :D