Questions and Answers
What is the primary reason for Earth having a magnetic field?
To protect the planet from solar wind
How does the Earth's magnetic field contribute to protecting the planet?
By creating a shield against harmful cosmic radiation
What would likely happen if Earth did not have a magnetic field?
Increased loss of atmosphere to space
Study Notes
Earth's Magnetic Field
- The primary reason for Earth having a magnetic field is the motion of molten iron in the Earth's outer core.
Protection of the Planet
- The Earth's magnetic field contributes to protecting the planet by deflecting charged particles from the sun, known as the solar wind, which would otherwise strip away the atmosphere.
Consequences of No Magnetic Field
- If Earth did not have a magnetic field, the planet's atmosphere would be stripped away by the solar wind, leading to a loss of atmospheric gases and making the planet uninhabitable for life.
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