Unit – 4
Electricity and Magnetism
Discovery of Magnetism 🧲
The discovery of magnetism dates back to ancient times when people
noticed that certain stones could attract iron. These naturally magnetic stones
were called lodestones, which are a form of the mineral Magnetite.
According to tradition, the discovery is often linked to a Greek shepherd
named Magnes. It is said that while walking in a region called Magnesia, the
iron nails in his shoes and the metal tip of his staff stuck to a rock containing
magnetite. This unusual attraction led to the recognition of magnetic properties.
Later, people in China discovered that when a piece of lodestone was
freely suspended, it would always point in the north–south direction. This
observation led to the invention of the magnetic compass, which became an
important tool for navigation.
Over time, scientists began studying magnetism more scientifically. In
1600, William Gilbert conducted experiments and concluded that the Earth
itself behaves like a giant magnet.
Earth’s Magnetic Field 🧲🌍
The Earth's magnetic field is the invisible region of magnetic force that
surrounds the Earth. It acts like a giant bar magnet with a north pole and a south
pole and protects the planet from harmful radiation coming from space.
1. Origin of Earth’s Magnetic Field
The Earth’s magnetic field is mainly produced in the outer core of the Earth.
The outer core contains molten iron and nickel. As these liquid metals move due
to heat and rotation of the Earth, they generate electric currents.
This process is called the Dynamo theory. According to this theory, the
movement of conducting molten metals creates magnetic fields, which combine
to form the Earth’s overall magnetic field.
2. Magnetic Poles
The Earth behaves like a giant magnet with two main magnetic poles:
North Magnetic Pole
South Magnetic Pole
These magnetic poles are not exactly the same as the geographic poles of the
Earth. They also slowly move over time due to changes in the Earth’s core.
3. Magnetic Field Lines
The magnetic field around the Earth forms curved lines called magnetic field
lines.
Characteristics of these lines:
They emerge from the magnetic south pole and enter the magnetic north
pole outside the Earth.
They are strongest near the poles.
They form closed loops around the Earth.
4. The Magnetosphere
The magnetic field extends far into space forming a protective region called the
Magnetosphere.
Functions of the magnetosphere:
Protects Earth from charged particles from the Solar wind
Prevents harmful radiation from reaching the surface
Helps maintain Earth’s atmosphere
5. Importance of Earth’s Magnetic Field
The magnetic field is extremely important for life and technology.
a) Navigation
Devices like the magnetic compass use Earth’s magnetic field to find direction.
b) Protection from Space Radiation
It shields the Earth from high-energy particles coming from the Sun.
c) Formation of Auroras
When solar particles interact with Earth’s magnetic field near the poles, they
create beautiful lights called:
Aurora Borealis
Aurora Australis
6. Changes in Earth’s Magnetic Field
Earth’s magnetic field is not constant. It slowly changes over time. Scientists
have also discovered that the magnetic poles have reversed many times in
Earth’s history. This phenomenon is called Geomagnetic reversal.