Question

The value of the angle of dip is zero at the magnetic equator because on it:

• A. V and H are equal
• B. V and H are zero
• C. V is zero
• D. V is infinity

Answer 1

The correct option is C

V is zero

The explanation for the correct option:

In the case of option C,

At the equator, the total magnetic field is parallel to the surface of the Earth, that is, horizontal (H) and V is the vertical component and it is zero. $\delta$ is the angle of dip.

Then,

$$\begin{gathered} \tan \delta =\frac{V}{H} \\ \tan \delta =0 \\ \delta =0 \end{gathered}$$

Hence, the magnetic equator has zero angles of dip because V is 0 there.

The explanation for the incorrect options:

In the case of option A,

Because V is zero and H is parallel to the magnetic field near the equator, hence V and H are not equal.

In the case of option B,

V is zero, but H isn't because it's perpendicular to the magnetic field.

In the case of option D,

V is not infinity, it is zero.

Hence, the correct option is : (C) V is zero.