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-   -   Dcomparing magentic fields (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/showthread.php?t=63079)

  • Feb 15, 2007, 08:44 AM
    binx44
    Dcomparing magentic fields
    I need to compare the magentic field of a house magnet to the earths magentic field. And I can't fiugre this out at all... does anyone know a website where I can do this?
  • Feb 15, 2007, 08:45 AM
    Capuchin
    What on earth is a house magnet?
  • Feb 15, 2007, 08:46 AM
    binx44
    Like one that goes on a fridge I am guessing.. or a bar magnet
    (spelling?)
  • Feb 15, 2007, 08:48 AM
    Capuchin
    Okay, well if you get a compass, and one of these magnets, you can measure the distance you need to move the magnet to to deflect the compass.

    Or do you need a more theoretical approach?
  • Feb 15, 2007, 08:49 AM
    binx44
    A more theoretical approach I believe. I need to know about the magnetic feild(s) and compare them...
  • Feb 15, 2007, 08:52 AM
    Capuchin
    Okay, the earth's magnetic field is essentially a lot like a bar magnet. However it does have some discrepancies due to it not being a perfect bar magnet.

    I've been looking at geomagnetism recently, however I have to leave for home soon, if you want to contact me on MSN messenger, Or meet me back here in about an hour and a half, I can show you some data on the earth's magnetic field.

    You can then compare the shape of it to that of a household magnet

    Does that sound like what you're meant to be doing?
  • Feb 15, 2007, 08:55 AM
    binx44
    I need to know the discrepancies.. that soundds right.. I added you to my msn
  • Feb 15, 2007, 08:57 AM
    Capuchin
    This is quite big (several MB):

    http://geomag.usgs.gov/charts/ig00d.pdf

    It's a very good picture of the field on the surface of the earth, you can see that it's very irregular
    You have to keep in mind that the field is always changing. Every 250,000 years the south and north poles reverse.

    I'll talk to you more when I get home.
  • Feb 15, 2007, 08:58 AM
    Capuchin
    Oh, you are interested in the red lines in the above picture :)

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