Question

If a compass is placed near a wire carrying electric current, the compass needle

• A. Will be deflected
• B. The current carrying wire will be deflected
• C. Will not be deflected
• D. None of these

Hint:

The direction of deflection can be determined using the Right-Hand Thumb Rule (or Ampere's swimming rule). Point your thumb in the direction of the current; your curled fingers will indicate the direction of the magnetic field lines.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This question relates to the magnetic effect of electric current, a fundamental principle discovered by Hans Christian Oersted.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
An electric current flowing through a conductor (like a wire) produces a magnetic field in the region surrounding it.
A compass needle is a small magnet that aligns itself with any external magnetic field.
When the compass is brought near the current-carrying wire, the magnetic field produced by the current interacts with the compass needle's own magnetic field.
This interaction exerts a torque on the needle, causing it to deflect from its usual North-South alignment.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Hence, if a compass is placed near a wire carrying an electric current, the compass needle will be deflected.