Exploring Earth's Magnetic Field & Charge

In summary: The Earth's magnetic field is quite weak ... The magnitude of the Earth's magnetic field at its surface ranges from 25 to 65 microteslas (0.25 to 0.65 gauss).
  • #1
mohammed El-Kady
32
2
Does the Earth have a charge? so magnetic field?
Is there a function to its distribution on the Earth surface?
If there's a free charge on the air will it effect by it?
 
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  • #2
Earth has an electric field, but has no net electric charge. The upper atmosphere is positively charged, but the surface is negatively charged.

Earth does have a magnetic field caused by the iron in the core. This magnetic field helps protect us from a great deal of solar radiation.
 
  • #3
Comeback City said:
Earth has an electric field, but has no net electric charge. The upper atmosphere is positively charged, but the surface is negatively charged.

Earth does have a magnetic field caused by the iron in the core. This magnetic field helps protect us from a great deal of solar radiation.
what is the strength of this magnetic field? towards the Earth of out " the force"?
 
  • #4
mohammed El-Kady said:
what is the strength of this magnetic field? towards the Earth of out " the force"?
The strength varies depending on the distance from the core... the magnetic field will be at its strongest when it’s closest to the core, where the abundance of iron is, and will weaken as your travel away from the core. It’s about 50 times stronger at the core than the surface.
 
  • #5
Comeback City said:
The strength varies depending on the distance from the core... the magnetic field will be at its strongest when it’s closest to the core, where the abundance of iron is, and will weaken as your travel away from the core. It’s about 50 times stronger at the core than the surface.
thank you
 
  • #6
mohammed El-Kady said:
thank you
No problem!
 
  • #7

1. What is Earth's magnetic field and how does it work?

Earth's magnetic field is a force field that surrounds the planet and extends into space. It is generated by the movement of molten iron in the outer core of the Earth. This movement creates electric currents, which in turn create a magnetic field. The magnetic field acts like a giant bar magnet, with a north and south pole, and helps protect Earth from harmful solar radiation.

2. How is the strength of Earth's magnetic field measured?

The strength of Earth's magnetic field is measured in units of tesla (T) or gauss (G). The average strength of the magnetic field at the Earth's surface is approximately 0.5 gauss or 50 microtesla. This can vary depending on location and time.

3. How does Earth's magnetic field affect our daily lives?

Earth's magnetic field has a significant impact on our daily lives. It helps animals, such as birds and sea turtles, navigate and migrate. It also plays a crucial role in modern technology, such as compasses and GPS systems, which use the magnetic field for navigation. Additionally, the magnetic field helps protect us from harmful solar radiation, making life on Earth possible.

4. What is the connection between Earth's magnetic field and its charge?

Earth's magnetic field and its charge are closely related. The movement of electric currents in the outer core of the Earth creates the magnetic field, and these currents are caused by the flow of charged particles. The Earth's magnetic field also plays a role in the global electric circuit, which is the flow of electricity between the Earth's surface and the ionosphere.

5. How does Earth's magnetic field change over time?

Earth's magnetic field is not constant and has undergone significant changes over time. The magnetic poles can shift, and the strength of the magnetic field can vary. Scientists have also observed that the magnetic field has weakened by about 10% over the past 150 years. These changes are a natural part of the Earth's magnetic cycle and can have effects on navigation and communication systems.

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