English for students of Physics_Unit 12
Scientists still do not know exactly what causes the earth’s magnetic field. In the 16th century, it was believed that a mountain of magnetite (a magnetic mineral) was located at the North Pole and that this mountain caused the earth’s magnetic field. English physician William Gilbert was the first to propose, in 1600, that the earth itself was a massive magnet. Current theories hold that the earth’s magnetic field is created by currents within the liquid outer core of the earth, which is composed mostly of iron. This liquid core contains ions, or electrically charged atoms and molecules. The...
