Why Does a Hanging Magnet Tilt Downward Near the Poles?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Why does a hanging magnet tilt downward near the poles?

The Big Idea

Earth's magnetic field lines do not just run across the ground. Near the poles, they dive straight down into the planet! Let's find out what that does to a hanging magnet.

Lines Curve In

Step one: lines curve in. Earth's magnetic field lines curve into the planet near the poles. They loop out of one end of the planet and into the other.

Flat at the Equator

Step two: flat at the equator. At the magnetic equator, the lines run flat along the surface. Near the poles, they point almost straight down.

The Tilt

Step three: the tilt. A magnet hanging freely would follow these lines, so its north end would tip toward the ground in the north. This tilt is called magnetic dip.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! At the equator, the lines are flat. Near the poles, they point down. A hanging magnet would tilt. That tilt is called dip.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! Compass makers build different compasses for different parts of the world. Each part of the world has its own tilt. Little weights keep the needle level. The tilt is called magnetic dip.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! Draw Earth with field lines looping from pole to pole. Draw a small arrow at each of five places. Make each arrow show the tilt of the field. Compare the equator with the poles. Then explain what you learned to a friend.

Outro

Earth's field lines curve into the planet near the poles, so a hanging magnet tilts downward there. Science is amazing! What will you discover next? Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!