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The Magnetic Compass | Up
Quartermaster 1 & C - Military manual for the Quartermaster rate | Next
Variation |
Earth’s Magnetic Field
Introduction
Earth has magnetic properties and can be thought of as having a
powerful magnet near its center (see fig. 2-2). The lines of force radiate
and may be detected on the surface.
Figure 2-2. Earth's magnetic field.
This internal magnet is not aligned with Earth’s axis. This results in the
magnetic poles being in different locations than Earth’s poles. At
Earth’s surface, lines of force become magnetic meridians having
horizontal and vertical components. These components will be
discussed in the next topic, Variation.
Law of
Magnetism
There are certain characteristics of magnetism that are important to
remember. Every magnet has two poles: a north pole (blue) and a south
pole (red). Each pole has opposite characteristics and they each follow
the Law of Magnetism:
"OPPOSITES ATTRACT; LIKES REPEL"
A north pole attracts a south pole but it repels another north pole. This
law is of importance to you because it will help you understand the
relationship between the magnetic compass and the magnetic properties
of Earth.
2-3
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