(a) Define magnetic field lines. Describe an activity to draw a magnetic field line outside a bar magnet from one pole to another pole.
(b) Explain why, a freely suspended magnet always points in the north-south direction.
(b) Explain why, a freely suspended magnet always points in the north-south direction.
(a) Magnetic field lines:
Magnetic field is the space around a magnet wherein magnetic force can be felt.
The magnetic field lines of a bar magnet can be mapped using a magnetic compass. The compass can be moved from one pole of the bar magnet to another pole. We can trace the field lines by moving the compass gradually and drawing a corresponding line which the compass would trace while following a particular line of force.
In this activity, we will get a magnetic field pattern around the magnet. This also allows us to see the magnetic field lines leaving the north pole of the magnet and enter its south pole.
(b) A freely suspended magnet always points towards geographical north and geographical south directions because of the magnetism of the earth. It is assumed that a huge bar magnet is placed at the centre of the earth that causes a freely suspended magnet to align in the directions of north and south poles.
Magnetic field is the space around a magnet wherein magnetic force can be felt.
The magnetic field lines of a bar magnet can be mapped using a magnetic compass. The compass can be moved from one pole of the bar magnet to another pole. We can trace the field lines by moving the compass gradually and drawing a corresponding line which the compass would trace while following a particular line of force.
In this activity, we will get a magnetic field pattern around the magnet. This also allows us to see the magnetic field lines leaving the north pole of the magnet and enter its south pole.
(b) A freely suspended magnet always points towards geographical north and geographical south directions because of the magnetism of the earth. It is assumed that a huge bar magnet is placed at the centre of the earth that causes a freely suspended magnet to align in the directions of north and south poles.
