http://www.ck12.org Chapter 5. Energy
Summary
- Earth has north and south magnetic poles and a magnetic field called the magnetosphere.
- The magnetosphere protects Earth’s organisms from solar radiation.
- Some organisms—including humans with compasses—use Earth’s magnetic field for navigation.
Vocabulary
- magnetic field: Area around a magnet where it exerts magnetic force.
Explore More
At the following URL, explore the interaction between a compass and Earth’s magnetic field. Move the compass
around the planet and observe what happens to the needle. Also observe what happens to the compass when you flip
polarity (in other words, when a magnetic field reversal occurs). Describe your observations.
http://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/magnet-and-compass
Review
- Make a sketch of Earth’s magnetic field.
- Explain the northern lights in terms of Earth’s magnetic field.
- How is a loggerhead turtle like a compass?