A surveyor working near latitude and longitude measures the local magnetic-field…
PHYSICS · Multi-part · CBSE · Physics · Electricity: Magnetic and Heating Effects · Electricity: Magnetic and Heating Effects
Problem
A surveyor working near latitude 40∘ N and longitude 90∘ W measures the local magnetic-field components at ground level to be
• BN=15μT directed toward geographic north,
• BE=5μT directed toward geographic east, and
• BD=−50μT directed vertically downward (toward Earth’s center).
Neglect all temporal field variations during the measurement interval.
(a) Calculate the magnitude of the horizontal component BH of Earth’s magnetic field at this location.
(b) Determine the magnetic declination—defined as the angle between geographic north and the horizontal component of the magnetic field—stating whether it is east or west of true north. Express your answer to the nearest whole degree.
(c) Compute the magnetic dip angle (the angle between the total field vector and the horizontal plane). State whether the field points downward or upward relative to the horizontal.
(d) A hiker following a map referenced to true (geographic) directions uses only a simple compass. Explain quantitatively how the hiker should adjust a recorded compass bearing of 050∘ (measured clockwise from geographic north) to follow the intended path.