Question

At the magnetic __________, the earth’s magnetic field lines are parallel to the surface whereas at the magnetic ________, they are normal to the surface.

• A. $\text{N}$ pole only, equator
• B. equator; $\text{N}$ and $\text{S}$ poles
• C. $\text{N}$ and $\text{S}$ poles; equator
• D. equator; $\text{S}$ pole only

Answer 1

The correct option is B equator; $\text{N}$ and $\text{S}$ poles

The magnetic field lines of earth begin at the magnetic north pole that is located near the geographic south pole and move toward the magnetic south pole of earth which is near the geographic north pole parallel to the earth's surface.

So, at the earth's magnetic poles, the lines appear to be erupting out of earth's surface, i.e., perpendicular (normal) to the surface. And at the magnetic equator, they appear to the parallel to the earth's surface moving upward toward the earth's geographic north pole.