Lab: Magnetic and Electric Fields

Question 16 • Fall 24 GSE Physical Science B IC

Which statements are true about moving the compass around the wire? Check all that apply.

Answer

With no current, the compass needle will not move.

If the light bulb is on, the compass needle will move.

If the circuit is on, compass needle movement will indicate a dead battery.

If current is flowing, the compass needle will not move unless the compass is touching the wire.

Changing the battery terminals will change the current flow and the compass will point differently.

Explanation

A current in a wire creates a magnetic field that can deflect a nearby compass needle. With no current, there is no magnetic field from the wire to move the needle, so A is true; when the bulb is on and current flows, the needle can move, so B is true. Reversing the battery terminals reverses the current and changes the direction of the magnetic field, so E is true. A moving needle indicates a magnetic field from current, not a dead battery, and the compass does not need to touch the wire.

AI-written and checked against the verified answer.

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