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Difficulty: EasyMagnetism and Earth's Magnetic Field

At the Earth's magnetic equator, a freely suspended magnetic dip needle comes to rest horizontally, resulting in an angle of dip of 0∘0^\circ.

Answer: Answer

Answer

True
The statement is true because the Earth's magnetic field lines at the magnetic equator are parallel to the Earth's surface. Consequently, the vertical component of the magnetic field is zero, causing a freely suspended dip needle to settle completely horizontally at an angle of 0∘0^\circ.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Define the angle of dip (magnetic inclination).
The angle of dip θ\theta is the angle between the Earth's magnetic field direction and the horizontal plane at a given location.
This definition helps determine how a dip needle orientates itself relative to the surface of the Earth.
2
Examine the Earth's magnetic field components at the magnetic equator.
At the magnetic equator, the vertical component of Earth's magnetic field is zero (Bv=0B_v = 0), so the total field is entirely horizontal (B=BhB = B_h).
The magnetic flux lines are parallel to the geographical surface along the magnetic equator.
3
Evaluate the statement.
Since the field vector is horizontal, the angle of dip θ=tan⁡−1(BvBh)=tan⁡−1(0)=0∘\theta = \tan^{-1}\left(\frac{B_v}{B_h}\right) = \tan^{-1}(0) = 0^\circ, making the statement True.
The dip needle aligns with the total magnetic field vector, resting horizontally at 0∘0^\circ.

Key Concept

Angle of Dip at the Magnetic Equator
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Topics

Magnetism and Earth's Magnetic Field

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