Question

A dip circle is placed perpendicular to the magnetic meridian, then the magnetic needle will align

• A. Horizontally
• B. Vertically
• C. In the direction of earths magnetic field
• D. Perpendicular to earths magnetic field

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

Vertically

$\text{Solution}:$

1. Magnetic dip results from the tendency of a magnet to align itself with lines of magnetic field.

2. As the Earth's magnetic field lines are not parallel to the surface, the north end of a compass needle will point downward in the northern hemisphere (positive dip) or upward in the southern hemisphere (negative dip).

3. The range of dip is from -90 degrees (at the South Magnetic Pole) to +90 degrees (at the North Magnetic Pole).

4. Therefore, the magnetic needle will align vertically.

$\text{Hence B is the correct option}$