EARTH SCIENCE
MAGNETISM
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Question
[CLICK ON ANY CHOICE TO KNOW THE RIGHT ANSWER]
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electrical currents in Earth’s outer core.
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magnetic currents in Earth’s outer core.
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electrical currents in Earth’s inner core.
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It’s a trick question. Electricity and magnetism are completely different concepts with no connection between them.
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Detailed explanation-1: -The magnetic field is generated by electric currents due to the motion of convection currents of a mixture of molten iron and nickel in Earth’s outer core : these convection currents are caused by heat escaping from the core, a natural process called a geodynamo.
Detailed explanation-2: -The Earth’s outer core is in a state of turbulent convection as the result of radioactive heating and chemical differentiation. This sets up a process that is a bit like a naturally occurring electrical generator, where the convective kinetic energy is converted to electrical and magnetic energy.
Detailed explanation-3: -Generated by the motion of molten iron in Earth’s core, the magnetic field protects our planet from cosmic radiation and from the charged particles emitted by our Sun. It also provides the basis for navigation with a compass.
Detailed explanation-4: -Mercury, despite its small size, has a magnetic field, because it has a conductive liquid core created by its iron composition and friction resulting from its highly elliptical orbit.
Detailed explanation-5: -On Earth, flowing of liquid metal in the outer core of the planet generates electric currents. The rotation of Earth on its axis causes these electric currents to form a magnetic field which extends around the planet.