Permanent & Induced Magnetism, Magnetic Forces & Fields (OCR GCSE Physics A, Combined (Gateway Science Suite)): Revision Notes

7.1.4 The Earth's Magnetic Field

The Earth's Core - key facts:

• The core is magnetic and creates a large magnetic field around the Earth
• Freely suspended magnetic compasses align with the Earth's field lines and point North
• Does not point to the Geographic North Pole – it is over North Canada
• Compass as a suspended Bar Magnet
  • Compass's north pole lines up with Earth's 'North pole'
  • This cannot be correct as like poles repel
  • Thus, Earth's magnetic pole above Canada is a magnetic South Pole
  • The geographic south pole is close to the Magnetic North Pole