dumb and simple question here...
How do we know that the Earth's "magnetic field" is not the Earth's electric field?
And that the Earth's "electric field" is really the Earth's magnetic field?
Thanks.
Established Member
dumb and simple question here...
How do we know that the Earth's "magnetic field" is not the Earth's electric field?
And that the Earth's "electric field" is really the Earth's magnetic field?
Thanks.
Administrator
You use a magnetic needle, and it points North. You use a charged needle and where does it point? Did you have something broader in mind?Originally Posted by TOEfetish
Forming opinions as we speak
Order of Kilopi
Because the Earth's electric field is something completely different.
Order of Kilopi
How would we confuse one for the other?
Established Member
Let me ask the question differently...
If we put a magnetic compass in an electric field, would it cause the compass needle to align a certain way?
Administrator
Try it. Rub a balloon on your hair until it has enough static charge to stick to a wall, and then bring a compass near it.
Forming opinions as we speak
Established Member
I don't own a compass.
What happens?
Moderator
nothing
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Established Member
That's not complete. A magnetic field is produced if you have a moving charge (a current), and it will cause a compass to react. For a static charge, like a balloon that has had electrons rubbed off, it will not do anything.
Order of Kilopi
Wait a minute, there is something horribly wrong here.
Everyone should have a compass, even if they're useless
for finding your way around. They are too much fun not
to have one. If you don't have one, and (for any reason)
can't buy one, you can make one.
Just search for "make a compass".
-- Jeff, in Minneapolis
http://www.FreeMars.org/jeff/
"I find astronomy very interesting, but I wouldn't if I thought we
were just going to sit here and look." -- "Van Rijn"
"The other planets? Well, they just happen to be there, but the
point of rockets is to explore them!" -- Kai Yeves
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