# 4 Two students are debating their experiences on the surface of the Earth: Student 1: / know that the Earth has a magnetic field, and I know that it's attractive because compass needles are attracted to the North pole. The Earth also attracts my body toward its surface. Therefore, the downward "weight" force I feel must be a magnetic force. Student 2: No, gravity and magnetism are different kinds of forces. Gravity pulls objects with mass down toward the Earth's surface, but compass needles are pulled parallel to the surface due to the Earth's magnetism. And if weight were due to magnetism, wouldn't your body be attracted to other magnets, too? Do you agree or disagree with either or both of the students? Explain your reasoning.

icon
Related questions
Question
Part II: The Fundamental Forces in Everyday Life
#4 Two students are debating their experiences on the surface of the Earth:
Student 1: I know that the Earth has a magnetic field, and I know that it's attractive
because compass needles are attracted to the North pole. The Earth also
attracts my body toward its surface. Therefore, the downward "weight" force
I feel must be a magnetic force.
Student 2: No, gravity and magnetism are different kinds of forces. Gravity pulls objects
with mass down toward the Earth's surface, but compass needles are pulled
parallel to the surface due to the Earth's magnetism. And if weight were due
to magnetism, wouldn't your body be attracted to other magnets, too?
Do you agree or disagree with either or both of the students? Explain your reasoning.
Edit with
Transcribed Image Text:Part II: The Fundamental Forces in Everyday Life #4 Two students are debating their experiences on the surface of the Earth: Student 1: I know that the Earth has a magnetic field, and I know that it's attractive because compass needles are attracted to the North pole. The Earth also attracts my body toward its surface. Therefore, the downward "weight" force I feel must be a magnetic force. Student 2: No, gravity and magnetism are different kinds of forces. Gravity pulls objects with mass down toward the Earth's surface, but compass needles are pulled parallel to the surface due to the Earth's magnetism. And if weight were due to magnetism, wouldn't your body be attracted to other magnets, too? Do you agree or disagree with either or both of the students? Explain your reasoning. Edit with
Expert Solution
trending now

Trending now

This is a popular solution!

steps

Step by step

Solved in 3 steps

Blurred answer