Help me to understand horizontal component.

Broken]In summary, the Earth's magnetic field has both horizontal and vertical components, with the amount of each depending on your location on the surface. At the poles, the vertical component is stronger, while at the equator, the horizontal component is stronger. A visual representation can be seen in the provided drawing.
  • #1
solace28
8
0
what is horizontal component of Earth's magnetic field? BH. Please elaborate the concept.


Thanks in advance.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
The Earth's magnetic field has both horizontal and vertical components depending on your location on Earth's surface. At the poles, you would expect more vertical field and on the equator, you would expect more horizontal field.

vec5.gif
 

Attachments

  • vec5.gif
    vec5.gif
    5.5 KB · Views: 396
  • #3
solace28 said:
what is horizontal component of Earth's magnetic field? BH. Please elaborate the concept.


Thanks in advance.

This drawing should help you visualize it better:

http://www.physics.sjsu.edu/becker/physics51/images/28_03_Earth_magnetic_field.jpg

[URL]http://www.physics.sjsu.edu/becker/physics51/images/28_03_Earth_magnetic_field.jpg[/URL]
 
Last edited by a moderator:

1. What is the horizontal component?

The horizontal component refers to the part of a vector that is parallel to the x-axis in a two-dimensional coordinate system.

2. How is the horizontal component calculated?

To calculate the horizontal component, you can use the trigonometric function cosine (cos). Multiply the magnitude of the vector by the cosine of the angle between the vector and the x-axis.

3. What is the significance of the horizontal component in physics?

The horizontal component is important in physics because it helps us analyze motion in two dimensions. By breaking down a vector into its horizontal and vertical components, we can better understand the direction and magnitude of the motion.

4. Can the horizontal component ever be negative?

Yes, the horizontal component can be negative. This means that the vector is pointing in the opposite direction of the positive x-axis. For example, a vector with a horizontal component of -5 units would be pointing towards the left on a standard coordinate system.

5. How does the horizontal component relate to the other components of a vector?

The horizontal component is just one part of a vector. It is related to the magnitude and direction of the vector through trigonometric functions. The vertical component, on the other hand, is perpendicular to the horizontal component and is parallel to the y-axis.

Similar threads

I Splitting force vectors into components
    • Other Physics Topics
Replies
15
Views
2K
B Understanding the Horizontal Component of Normal Force in Banked Curves
    • Other Physics Topics
Replies
6
Views
2K
B Does the Coriolis Effect Occur When Wind Moves Horizontally?
    • Other Physics Topics
Replies
5
Views
2K
B Finding Angle Between Fluid & Horizontal: Clarified
    • Mechanics
Replies
14
Views
1K
B Understanding G-Force: x,y and z Components Explained
    • Other Physics Topics
Replies
12
Views
12K
What is electronic component R22CC1 and why is it rotating?
    • Electrical Engineering
Replies
9
Views
504
Why Is My Velocity Calculated Differently than the Solutions?
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
2
Replies
46
Views
2K
I Horizontal Force on a trapeze pivot
    • Other Physics Topics
Replies
2
Views
1K
I What happens when circular polarization meets a diagonal polarizer?
    • Quantum Physics
Replies
20
Views
1K
Determining the horizontal asymptote
    • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
145

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top