Comprehension
The strength of the earth's magnetic field varies from place to place on the earth's surface; its value being of the order of \( 10^{-5} \, \text{T} \).
What causes the earth to have a magnetic field is not clear. Originally the magnetic field was thought of as arising from a giant bar magnet placed approximately along the axis of rotation of the earth and deep in the interior. However, this simplistic picture is certainly not correct. The magnetic field is now thought to arise due to electrical currents produced by convective motion of metallic fluids (consisting mostly of molten iron and nickel) in the outer core of the earth. This is known as the dynamo effect.
The magnetic field lines of the earth resemble that of a (hypothetical) magnetic dipole located at the centre of the earth. The axis of the dipole does not coincide with the axis of rotation of the earth but is presently tilted by approximately 11.3° with respect to the later. In this way of looking at it, the magnetic poles are located where the magnetic field lines due to the dipole enter or leave the earth. The location of the north magnetic pole is at a latitude of \( 79.74^\circ \, \text{N} \) and a longitude of \( 71.8^\circ \, \text{W} \), a place somewhere in north Canada. The magnetic south pole is at \( 79.74^\circ \, \text{S}, 108.22^\circ \, \text{E} \) in the Antarctica.
Question: 1

What is the order of magnitude of magnetic field of earth?

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The earth's magnetic field strength is approximately \( 10^{-5} \, \text{T} \) at the surface.
Updated On: Jan 22, 2026
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Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the concept.
The magnetic field strength at the surface of the earth is of the order of \( 10^{-5} \, \text{T} \) as given in the passage. This is the typical magnitude of the Earth's magnetic field. Step 2: Conclusion.
The order of magnitude of the magnetic field of the earth is \( 10^{-5} \, \text{T} \).
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Question: 2

What is the cause of magnetic field of earth assumed these days?

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The dynamo effect explains how convection currents of molten iron and nickel in the Earth's outer core create the magnetic field.
Updated On: Jan 22, 2026
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Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the dynamo effect.
The passage clearly mentions that the current understanding of the cause of the Earth's magnetic field is due to the **dynamo effect**. This effect arises from the motion of molten metallic fluids, primarily composed of molten iron and nickel, in the outer core of the earth. These materials are in motion due to convection currents, and this movement generates electrical currents. According to Ampère’s Law, these electrical currents produce a magnetic field.
Step 2: Conclusion.
Thus, the cause of the Earth's magnetic field is the electrical currents produced by the convection of molten iron and nickel in the outer core of the Earth. This process is known as the **dynamo effect**.
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Question: 3

What is the angle between magnetic dipole located at the center of the earth and axis of rotation of the earth?

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The axis of the magnetic dipole is tilted by approximately 11.3° from the Earth's axis of rotation.
Updated On: Jan 22, 2026
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Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Extracting information from the passage.
The passage mentions that the axis of the magnetic dipole located at the center of the earth is **tilted by 11.3°** with respect to the axis of rotation of the earth. This means that the magnetic dipole does not align with the Earth's axis of rotation but is tilted at this angle.
Step 2: Conclusion.
The angle between the magnetic dipole and the axis of rotation of the Earth is **11.3°**.
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Question: 4

Where are the magnetic poles located?

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The north magnetic pole is located in Canada, and the south magnetic pole is located in Antarctica.
Updated On: Jan 22, 2026
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Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the magnetic poles.
The passage states that the magnetic poles of the earth are located at points where the magnetic field lines, due to the Earth's magnetic dipole, enter or leave the earth.
Step 2: Location of magnetic poles.
The passage provides the following details: - The **north magnetic pole** is located at a latitude of \( 79.74^\circ \, \text{N} \) and longitude \( 71.8^\circ \, \text{W} \), which is somewhere in northern Canada. - The **south magnetic pole** is located at \( 79.74^\circ \, \text{S}, 108.22^\circ \, \text{E} \), in Antarctica.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The magnetic poles are located at: - North magnetic pole: \( 79.74^\circ \, \text{N}, 71.8^\circ \, \text{W} \) (Canada). - South magnetic pole: \( 79.74^\circ \, \text{S}, 108.22^\circ \, \text{E} \) (Antarctica).
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Question: 5

What is the location of magnetic South Pole?

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The magnetic South Pole is located at \( 79.74^\circ \, \text{S}, 108.22^\circ \, \text{E} \) in Antarctica.
Updated On: Jan 22, 2026
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Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Extracting the location.
The passage specifically mentions that the magnetic south pole is located at a latitude of \( 79.74^\circ \, \text{S} \) and a longitude of \( 108.22^\circ \, \text{E} \), which places it in Antarctica.
Step 2: Conclusion.
The location of the magnetic south pole is at \( 79.74^\circ \, \text{S}, 108.22^\circ \, \text{E} \), in Antarctica.
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