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
Current within the wire weakens the magnetic force of the pole.
B
Magnetism surrounding 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 draws the needle toward the wire.
Explanation
A current-carrying wire creates a magnetic field around it. The compass needle responds to that field, which can turn it away from Earth’s magnetic pole and toward the wire. So the best explanation is that magnetism surrounding the wire draws the needle toward the wire.
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