Verified Solution Science Electricity: Magnetic and Heating Effects

A student places a compass needle near a straight wire. When current flows from North to South through the wire, the North pole of the compass needle deflects towards the East. If the student reverses the direction of the current (South to North), how will the compass needle behave, and why?

3 views 0 helpful Updated Jun 30, 2026
Solution ✔ Verified
Answer

If the direction of the current is reversed from South to North, the direction of the magnetic field produced by the wire will also reverse. Consequently, the North pole of the compass needle, which initially deflected towards the East, will now deflect towards the West.

Was this solution helpful?
0
Practice more questions on Electricity: Magnetic and Heating Effects — download a free worksheet. Download
Not the question you're searching for? + Ask your question