1. magnetism, components of earth's The magnetic force of the earth acts in the plane of the magnetic meridian and in direction generally lies oblique to the plane of the horizon. It can be resolved into two components, one vertical, which has no directive effect upon the magnetic needle, the other horizontal, which represents the directive element for the usual compassneedle. For the dipping needle, q. v., the verticalcomponent is the only activeone. A magnetic needle mounted on a universaljoint at its centre of gravity would be acted on by both components.
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