What is the direction of the magnetic field around a straight current-carrying conductor?
Practice Questions
1 question
Q1
What is the direction of the magnetic field around a straight current-carrying conductor?
From north to south
From south to north
Clockwise
Counterclockwise
The direction of the magnetic field around a straight current-carrying conductor can be determined using the right-hand rule, which indicates that the field lines form concentric circles around the conductor in a counterclockwise direction when viewed from the positive end.
Questions & Step-by-step Solutions
1 item
Q
Q: What is the direction of the magnetic field around a straight current-carrying conductor?
Solution: The direction of the magnetic field around a straight current-carrying conductor can be determined using the right-hand rule, which indicates that the field lines form concentric circles around the conductor in a counterclockwise direction when viewed from the positive end.
Steps: 6
Step 1: Identify the straight conductor that is carrying an electric current.
Step 2: Determine the direction of the current flow (from positive to negative).
Step 3: Use your right hand to apply the right-hand rule: point your thumb in the direction of the current.
Step 4: Curl your fingers around the conductor. The direction your fingers curl shows the direction of the magnetic field lines.
Step 5: Note that the magnetic field lines form concentric circles around the conductor.
Step 6: If you are looking from the positive end of the conductor, the magnetic field lines will move in a counterclockwise direction.
