The earth's magnetic field

Principle

The students should become aware of the factors which may have an influence when determining the direction with a magnet and obtain an impression of the shape of the Earth's magnetic field.

Benefits

Quick and easy experiment for qualitatively understanding of magnetic phenomena

Tasks

An experiment on the Earth's magnetic field using a model.

1. Determine the direction with a compass.
2. Investigate the extent to which large iron bodies may distort the direction shown by a compass.
3. Determine the course of the field lines over the surface contours of the Earth model.