Lesson eLearning

Describe how Earth's magnetic field protects the planet from the Sun’s harmful radiation and why this is important for life.

hard 3 marks Class 5 · EVS · Sunita in Space
Answer
Earth’s magnetic field deflects charged particles from the Sun, creating a magnetosphere that shields the surface, preventing atmospheric loss and protecting living organisms from harmful radiation.

Step-by-step solution

  1. The Sun emits a stream of charged particles called solar wind.
  2. Earth’s magnetic field forms a bubble around the planet called the magnetosphere.
  3. Solar wind is diverted around this bubble and enters only near the poles.
  4. Charged particles are trapped, causing auroras.
  5. Without this shield, the atmosphere would erode and radiation would damage DNA, harming life.
Common mistake: Thinking magnetic field blocks all radiation

Concept tested: Earth's magnetosphere protection

Published · How this solution was prepared and checked

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