Assume the dipole model for Earth's magnetic field $B$,which is given by:
$B_v = \text{vertical component of magnetic field} = \frac{\mu_0}{4\pi} \frac{2m \cos \theta}{r^3}$
$B_H = \text{horizontal component of magnetic field} = \frac{\mu_0}{4\pi} \frac{m \sin \theta}{r^3}$
where $\theta = 90^{\circ} - \text{latitude}$ as measured from the magnetic equator.
$(a)$ Find the loci of points for which the dip angle is $\pm 45^{\circ}$.

Vedclass pdf generator app on play store
Vedclass iOS app on app store
(A) The dip angle $\delta$ is defined by the relation $\tan \delta = \frac{B_v}{B_H}$.
Given the expressions for the vertical component $B_v$ and the horizontal component $B_H$:
$B_v = \frac{\mu_0}{4\pi} \frac{2m \cos \theta}{r^3}$
$B_H = \frac{\mu_0}{4\pi} \frac{m \sin \theta}{r^3}$
Substituting these into the expression for $\tan \delta$:
$\tan \delta = \frac{\frac{\mu_0}{4\pi} \frac{2m \cos \theta}{r^3}}{\frac{\mu_0}{4\pi} \frac{m \sin \theta}{r^3}} = \frac{2 \cos \theta}{\sin \theta} = 2 \cot \theta$
We are looking for the loci of points where the dip angle $\delta = \pm 45^{\circ}$.
Since $\tan(\pm 45^{\circ}) = \pm 1$,we have:
$\pm 1 = 2 \cot \theta$
$\cot \theta = \pm 0.5$
$\tan \theta = \pm 2$
Since $\theta = 90^{\circ} - \lambda$ (where $\lambda$ is the latitude),the locus of points is defined by the condition $\tan(90^{\circ} - \lambda) = \pm 2$,which simplifies to $\cot \lambda = \pm 2$ or $\tan \lambda = \pm 0.5$.

Explore More

Similar Questions

$A$ compass needle will show which one of the following directions at the Earth's magnetic pole?

The angle of dip at a certain place on earth is $60^{\circ}$ and the magnitude of earth's horizontal component of magnetic field is $0.26 \, G$. The magnetic field at the place on earth is.....$G$

The plane of a dip circle is set in the geographic meridian and the apparent dip is $\delta_1$. It is then set in a vertical plane perpendicular to the geographic meridian. The apparent dip angle is $\delta_2$. The declination $\theta$ at the place is

In which direction does a free hanging magnet get stabilized? Explain.

The lines joining the places of the same horizontal intensity are known as

Vedclass Products

For Students

Vedclass Test Series

Mock tests in real JEE/NEET style with performance analysis. 5-day free trial.

Start Free Trial
For Teachers

Exam Paper Generator

Generate Set A/B/C/D exam papers from 7.5L+ questions in 2 minutes. 3 chapters free.

Try Free
For Institutes

Online Exam Module

Live online exams with unlimited students, 360° analytics & white-label branding.

See Demo