A magnetic field is the region around a magnet or a current-carrying wire where a magnetic force is exerted on a magnetic object. Such a region can be detected using either iron filings or a compass.

Ends of magnetic objects have poles

Magnetic field lines

go from north to south pole

the magnetic field B describes in what direction a small test compass would point if placed at a certain point in the field

magnetic field strength is measured in Teslas and is a vector quantity

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in the earth, the north pole is actually magnetic south

magnetic quality of the earth is due to currents of the molten rock, powered by the heat in the core = permanent magnet

(it’s not actually permanent as it inverts every few million years)

Magnetic fields caused by electrical currents

Straight wires