Question

Is Earth a giant magnet?

Answer 1

Hint: We have to understand what magnet actually means then we will come to a conclusion whether Earth is a giant magnet or not. We have to understand the basic principle of a magnet and how it works.

Complete answer:
First of all, let us get to understand what a magnet refers to. In a very simple way we can say that any material that posses its own magnetic field is referred to as a magnet. Now, we need to understand what is defined as a magnetic field.

A magnetic field is defined as a vector field which effect is felt when any moving electric charge, electric current or magnetic material moves on that field.

So, a magnet has a magnetic field which effect is felt by other bodies when they are on its field.

Magnetic field comprises of magnetic field lines which are imaginary lines that flow from one end to other end of a magnet. Thus, we consider two end or two pole of a magnet as north pole and south pole. The magnetic lines always flow from the North pole of a magnet to the South pole of the magnet.

Now, if we consider with our Earth we find that the compass needle deflects its North direction to the geographical north pole or magnetic south pole of the Earth. Hence, the effect of magnetic lines is always shown by a magnetic material. So, it is cleat that the Earth is a giant magnet.

Note: It must be noted that the Earth’s geographical south pole is considered as magnetic north pole and Earth’s geographical north pole is considered as magnetic south pole. The magnetic lines always flow from the North pole of a magnet to the South pole of the magnet.