Cover Page of Physics Project Class Xii

DIP AND DECLINATION IN MAGNETIC FIELD
A PHYSICS PROJECT REPORT

SUBMITTED BY
NIKHIL REDDY.V, CLASS XII-E
SRIMATHI SUNDARAVALLI MEMORIAL SCHOOL

CHENNAI 600 063
INDEX
SL.NO CONTENTS PG.NO.
1 INTRODUCTION 1
2 EXPERIMENT 3
Introduction
Magnetic dip and declination are two fundamental aspects of Earth's
magnetic field, crucial for navigation, exploration, and scientific research.
Understanding these phenomena provides valuable insights into the Earth's
magnetic environment and its effects on various activities.
Magnetic Dip (Inclination):

Magnetic dip, also known as inclination, refers to the angle between the
horizontal plane and the direction of the magnetic field vector at a specific
location. It indicates the inclination of magnetic field lines with respect to
the Earth's surface. At the magnetic poles, where the magnetic field lines are
vertical, the dip angle is 90 degrees. At the equator, where the field lines are
horizontal, the dip angle is 0 degrees. The dip angle varies continuously
between these extremes with latitude, and it also changes with altitude.
The measurement of magnetic dip is crucial for understanding the

behaviour of Earth's magnetic field and its interaction with the planet's
surface. Scientists use various instruments such as inclinometers to
measure magnetic dip accurately. Understanding magnetic dip helps in
interpreting magnetic anomalies, mapping subsurface structures, and
studying the Earth's interior.
Declination (Variation):
Declination, also referred to as magnetic variation, is the angle between

magnetic north (the direction indicated by a compass needle) and true north
(the direction towards the geographic North Pole). It represents the angular
difference between magnetic and geographic north at a specific location.
Declination varies with geographic location and changes over time due to the
dynamic nature of Earth's magnetic field.
Declination plays a crucial role in navigation, as it is essential for converting

magnetic bearings obtained from a compass into true bearings. Navigators
use declination values to correct compass readings and determine true
direction accurately. Failure to account for declination can lead to
significant errors in navigation, especially over long distances.
Measurement Techniques:
Various methods are employed to measure magnetic dip and declination
accurately. These include using magnetic compasses, magnetometers, and
specialized instruments like the inclinometer and declinometer. On land,
measurements are conducted using ground-based instruments, while at
sea, shipborne and airborne surveys are employed to map magnetic
anomalies over large areas.
Advancements in technology have led to the development of sophisticated

magnetometers and satellite-based systems for measuring Earth's magnetic
field with high precision. These measurements provide valuable data for
updating navigational charts, studying geological structures, and monitoring
changes in Earth's magnetic environment over time.
Practical Applications:
The understanding of magnetic dip and declination finds applications in
various fields, including navigation, aviation, geology, archaeology, and
space exploration. Navigators use declination values to correct compass
readings and navigate accurately over land and sea. Geologists utilize
magnetic data to study the Earth's crustal structure, identify mineral
deposits, and explore for natural resources. Archaeologists employ magnetic
surveys to locate buried artifacts and ancient structures hidden beneath the
Earth's surface. Furthermore, space agencies use magnetic field data to
study the interaction between Earth's magnetic field and solar wind, which
is essential for understanding space weather and its impact on satellite
communications and space missions.
In summary, magnetic dip and declination are essential components of

Earth's magnetic field, influencing navigation, exploration, and scientific
research. Accurate measurement and understanding of these phenomena
are vital for various applications and for advancing our knowledge of Earth's
magnetic environment.
EXPERIMENT
AIM:
To know about the diagrams of magnetic declination and dip in detail using
the apparatus given in the school laboratory
MATERIALS REQUIRED:
Inclinometer, compass, theodolite (or) transits, reference maps and charts,
levelling equipment
FORMULA:
PROCEDURE:
Set up the inclinometer on a levelled surface.
Align the inclinometer with the local magnetic field by rotating it until
the magnetic needle settles and points vertically downwards indicating
the dip of
Magnetic field
Record the angle of dip (in degrees) indicated by the inclinometer.
Use the compass to determine the magnetic north direction.
Set up the transit and aim towards true north direction by using a
reference point.
Record the angle between true north and magnetic north direction as
indicated by the transit (The angle signifies the magnetic declination)
Once the transit is aimed towards true north, observe the angle
between the true north direction and the direction indicated by the
compass, which is magnetic north.
RESULT:
Angle of magnetic declination:
Angle of magnetic inclination
PRECAUTION:
Make sure you use a accurate compass for measuring
Make sure you have no other external devices near device setup that
provides magnetic field and influence the compass

Cover Page of Physics Project Class Xii

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Cover Page of Physics Project Class Xii

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Cover Page of Physics Project Class Xii

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

DIP AND DECLINATION IN MAGNETIC FIELD

A PHYSICS PROJECT REPORT

NIKHIL REDDY.V, CLASS XII-E

SRIMATHI SUNDARAVALLI MEMORIAL SCHOOL

Magnetic Dip (Inclination):

The measurement of magnetic dip is crucial for understanding the

Declination, also referred to as magnetic variation, is the angle between

Declination plays a crucial role in navigation, as it is essential for converting

Advancements in technology have led to the development of sophisticated

In summary, magnetic dip and declination are essential components of

Record the angle of dip (in degrees) indicated by the inclinometer.

Use the compass to determine the magnetic north direction.

Angle of magnetic inclination

You might also like