What is the direction of the magnetic field around a straight conductor carrying current, as per the right-hand rule?
Practice Questions
1 question
Q1
What is the direction of the magnetic field around a straight conductor carrying current, as per the right-hand rule?
Clockwise
Counterclockwise
Radially inward
Radially outward
Using the right-hand rule, if you point your thumb in the direction of the current, your fingers curl in the direction of the magnetic field, which is counterclockwise.
Questions & Step-by-step Solutions
1 item
Q
Q: What is the direction of the magnetic field around a straight conductor carrying current, as per the right-hand rule?
Solution: Using the right-hand rule, if you point your thumb in the direction of the current, your fingers curl in the direction of the magnetic field, which is counterclockwise.
Steps: 5
Step 1: Identify the direction of the current in the straight conductor. This is the direction in which positive charge would flow.
Step 2: Extend your right hand with your thumb pointing in the direction of the current.
Step 3: Curl your fingers around the conductor. Your fingers will naturally curl in a circular motion.
Step 4: The direction your fingers curl indicates the direction of the magnetic field around the conductor.
Step 5: Note that if the current flows upwards, your fingers will curl counterclockwise around the conductor.
