What does the Moon have common with a compass needle?
The common thing between the Moon and the compass of needle.
Answer to Problem 13TE
The Moon lines up with Earth by the effect of gravity and the compass’s needle lines up with magnetic field by the pull of magnetic field lines.
Explanation of Solution
A magnetic compass needle is used to know the directions. It works on the principle of magnetic field lines that makes the needle line up by the pull of the magnetic field. The needle is free to rotate in any direction, but the magnetic field pulls it to align with the magnetic field.
Similarly, the gravity force acting between Earth and the Moon makes the Moon align with it. As we know that gravitational force is inversely related to the square of the separated distance between the objects, so when Moon is close Earth, it makes a strong gravity effect. Therefore the side of Moon nearer to Earth is pulled by this force and turns out as football shape. Due to the effect of gravity, Moon aligns with Earth in its orbit and we say this Moon as a tidally locked moon.
Conclusion:
Therefore, the Moon lines up with Earth by the effect of gravity and the compass’s needle lines up with magnetic field by the pull of magnetic field lines.
Chapter 32 Solutions
Conceptual Physical Science Explorations
Additional Science Textbook Solutions
Introduction to Electrodynamics
Physics for Scientists and Engineers: A Strategic Approach with Modern Physics (4th Edition)
University Physics Volume 2
The Cosmic Perspective
Physics for Scientists and Engineers with Modern Physics
College Physics (10th Edition)
- College PhysicsPhysicsISBN:9781305952300Author:Raymond A. Serway, Chris VuillePublisher:Cengage LearningUniversity Physics (14th Edition)PhysicsISBN:9780133969290Author:Hugh D. Young, Roger A. FreedmanPublisher:PEARSONIntroduction To Quantum MechanicsPhysicsISBN:9781107189638Author:Griffiths, David J., Schroeter, Darrell F.Publisher:Cambridge University Press
- Physics for Scientists and EngineersPhysicsISBN:9781337553278Author:Raymond A. Serway, John W. JewettPublisher:Cengage LearningLecture- Tutorials for Introductory AstronomyPhysicsISBN:9780321820464Author:Edward E. Prather, Tim P. Slater, Jeff P. Adams, Gina BrissendenPublisher:Addison-WesleyCollege Physics: A Strategic Approach (4th Editio...PhysicsISBN:9780134609034Author:Randall D. Knight (Professor Emeritus), Brian Jones, Stuart FieldPublisher:PEARSON