What is a magnetic field line?
Q: What is a magnetic field line?
A: A magnetic field line is a visual representation of the direction and strength of a magnet's force.
Q: Who invented the idea of lines of force?
A: The idea of lines of force was invented by Michael Faraday.
Q: How can you determine the strength of a magnet?
A: You can determine the strength of a magnet by doing an experiment with iron filings. The iron filings will get attracted to the magnet and move into the shape of flux lines, which gives an indication as to how strong or weak the magnet is.
Q: What causes visible streaks in polar auroras?
A: Visible streaks in polar auroras are caused by particles that line up with Earth's magnetic field.
Q: How do magnetic fields differ from topographic maps?
A: Magnetic fields differ from topographic maps in that they represent something continuous, and different mapping scales would show more or fewer lines. Topographic maps represent constant altitude on a map, while magnetic fields represent something continuous that changes depending on scale used for viewing it.
Q: Why is it difficult to view actual fields without altering them?
A: It is difficult to view actual fields without altering them because ferro/magnetic materials become magnetized when exposed to them, thus changing the original field to include their own influence.
Q: What are some ways one can view an accurate representation of a field without altering it?
A: Some ways one can view an accurate representation of a field without altering it include using ferrofluids (which react in all 3 dimensions) or holding a strong magnet in front of CRT-type monitor with white screen (which does not produce any "lines" visible).
