Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Physics, Astronomy & Cosmology => Topic started by: thedoc on 12/12/2016 21:23:02

Title: If a magnet was formed in space what would happen to its polarity if it fell to earth.
Post by: thedoc on 12/12/2016 21:23:02

Tim asked the Naked Scientists:
   If a magnet was formed in space what would happen to its polarity if it fell to earth?
What do you think?

Title: Re: If a magnet was formed in space what would happen to its polarity if it fell to earth.
Post by: Janus on 13/12/2016 01:09:30

If the magnet is heated enough by its passage through the atmosphere, it will lose its magnetism completely as the domains randomize. Once it cools back down, the domains can realign with the Earth's magnetic field.  If it doesn't get hot enough to lose its magnetism it will retain its present polarity.