What is the direction of the magnetic field around a current-carrying wire?
Practice Questions
1 question
Q1
What is the direction of the magnetic field around a current-carrying wire?
Radially inward
Radially outward
Clockwise or counterclockwise depending on current direction
Perpendicular to the wire
The direction of the magnetic field around a current-carrying wire is determined by the right-hand rule, which gives a clockwise or counterclockwise direction based on the current's direction.
Questions & Step-by-step Solutions
1 item
Q
Q: What is the direction of the magnetic field around a current-carrying wire?
Solution: The direction of the magnetic field around a current-carrying wire is determined by the right-hand rule, which gives a clockwise or counterclockwise direction based on the current's direction.
Steps: 5
Step 1: Identify the direction of the electric current flowing through the 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 wire. The direction your fingers curl shows the direction of the magnetic field lines.
Step 4: If the current flows upwards, the magnetic field will circle the wire in a counterclockwise direction when viewed from above.
Step 5: If the current flows downwards, the magnetic field will circle the wire in a clockwise direction when viewed from above.
