Magnetism and Electromagnetism — Test

Question 4 • Physics

The wire is then connected to a battery so that a current flows down the wire. How will the compasses point once the current is flowing?

Answer

Image with description A long wire that is vertical and standing on a steel plate. There are 4 compasses surrounding it and all of the needles are pointing counterclockwise.

Image with description A long wire that is vertical and standing on a steel plate. There are 4 compasses surrounding it and all of the needles are pointing in the same direction, west.

Image with description A long wire that is vertical and standing on a steel plate. There are 4 compasses surrounding it and all of the needles are pointing clockwise.

Image with description A long wire that is vertical and standing on a steel plate. There are 4 compasses surrounding it and all of the needles are pointing in the same direction, east.

Explanation

A current-carrying wire produces a magnetic field that circles around the wire. Point your right thumb down in the direction of the current; your curled fingers show the field’s direction, which is clockwise when viewed from above. The compass needles align with this circular field, so choice C, with all needles pointing clockwise, is correct.

AI-written and checked against the verified answer.

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