Question

A compass needle, free to turn in a vertical plane orients itself with its axis vertical at a certain place on the earth. Find out the values of (i) horizontal component of earth's magnetic field and (ii) angle of dip at the place.

Answer 1

i) As, Horizontal component of earth’s magnetic field, B_H = B cosδ

Putting δ = 90⁰

∴ B_H = 0

(ii) For a compass needle align vertical at a certain place, angle of dip,

δ = 90⁰.