Chapter 20, Problem 1Q

To determine

Answer to Problem 1Q

The reasons for dipping of a compass needle at most of the location on the surface of the earth.

Solution:

Explanation of Solution

Due to dip angle or the “inclination” a compass needle is not always balanced.

A magnetic needle always tends to a line in the direction of magnetic field. But magnetic field of the earth is not always parallel to the earth’ssurface (except equator), it is inclined by an angle called dip angle (Magnetic dip is defined as the angle that the magnetic field of earth makes with the horizontal at a place in magnetic meridian). Hence compass needle is not balanced at all the location.

Conclusion:

Due to dip angle or the “inclination” a compass needle is not always balanced.