A circular loop of wire carries a current. What is the direction of the magnetic field at the center of the loop?
Correct Answer: Out of the plane of the loop
- Step 1: Identify the direction of the current flowing through the circular loop of wire.
- Step 2: Use your right hand to apply the right-hand rule: Point your thumb in the direction of the current.
- Step 3: Curl your fingers around the loop in the direction of the current flow.
- Step 4: Observe where your fingers point when they curl around the loop; this indicates the direction of the magnetic field.
- Step 5: At the center of the loop, your fingers will point out of the plane of the loop, indicating the direction of the magnetic field.
- Right-Hand Rule – A method used to determine the direction of the magnetic field generated by a current-carrying conductor.
- Magnetic Field Direction – Understanding how the magnetic field is oriented in relation to the current flow in a circular loop.
