Verified Solution Science Magnetic Effects of Electric Current

A compass needle is placed on a table. A current-carrying wire is brought directly above the compass needle. If the current flows from west to east, what will be the direction of deflection of the north pole of the compass?

6 views 1 helpful Updated Jul 2, 2026
Solution ✔ Verified
  • ATowards North
  • BTowards South
  • CTowards East
  • DTowards West
Explanation

Using the Right-Hand Thumb Rule, if the current flows from west to east, the magnetic field lines below the wire (where the compass is) will point towards the south. Therefore, the north pole of the compass needle will deflect towards the South.

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