Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 2]PhysicsPermanent Magnets
A dip circle is positioned at the geomagnetic equator. Its needle is permitted to rotate in a vertical plane perpendicular to the magnetic meridian. The needle will remain
Options
- Apurely in the vertical direction
- Bin any direction except horizontal and vertical
- Cpurely in the horizontal direction
- Din whatever direction it is released
Correct answer
D. in whatever direction it is released
Step-by-step solution
At the geomagnetic equator, the angle of dip is zero, which means the vertical component of the Earth's magnetic field is zero ( B_V = 0 ). The horizontal component of the Earth's magnetic field ( B_H ) acts along the magnetic meridian. The dip circle is placed such that its needle rotates in a vertical plane perpendicular to the magnetic meridian. The angle between this plane and the magnetic meridian is = 90^ . The horizontal component of the magnetic field in this plane is B_H' = B_H 90^ = 0 . The vertical compo