A compass needle normally points toward Earth’s magnetic pole, which is near the North Pole. Which best explains why the needle moves away from the pole when it comes close to a current-carrying wire?
Answer
A
Magnetism surrounding the wire draws the needle toward the wire.
B
Current within the wire weakens the magnetic force of the pole.
C
Current within the wire draws the needle toward the wire.
D
Magnetism surrounding the wire weakens the magnetic force of the pole.
Explanation
An electric current creates a magnetic field around the wire. That field interacts with the compass needle and can turn it away from the direction set by Earth’s magnetic field. So the best choice is “Magnetism surrounding the wire draws the needle toward the wire”; the current itself is not what directly pulls the needle.
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