Verified Solution Science Electricity: Magnetic and Heating Effects

A student observes that when an electric current flows through a wire placed horizontally above a compass, the compass needle deflects towards the East. If the student reverses the direction of the current flow through the wire, what will happen to the compass needle?

5 views 2 helpful Updated Jun 30, 2026
Solution ✔ Verified
  • AIt will continue to deflect towards the East but more strongly.
  • BIt will not deflect at all.
  • CIt will deflect towards the West.
  • DIt will deflect towards the North.
Explanation

According to the magnetic effect of electric current, the direction of the magnetic field produced around a current-carrying wire depends on the direction of the current. If the current direction is reversed, the direction of the magnetic field also reverses, causing the compass needle to deflect in the opposite direction (from East to West in this case).

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