Verified Solution Science Electricity: Magnetic and Heating Effects

A student sets up an experiment with a current-carrying wire placed above a compass. When the current flows from north to south, the compass needle deflects towards the west. What will happen to the compass needle if the student reverses the direction of current flow in the wire, and why?

5 views 2 helpful Updated Jun 30, 2026
Solution ✔ Verified
  • AThe compass needle will deflect towards the east, as the direction of the magnetic field also reverses.
  • BThe compass needle will deflect towards the north, because the magnetic field will become stronger.
  • CThe compass needle will show no deflection, as the current is flowing in the opposite direction.
  • DThe compass needle will deflect towards the west, but with less intensity.
Explanation

The direction of the magnetic field produced by a current-carrying wire depends on the direction of the current. If the current direction is reversed, the direction of the magnetic field produced by the wire also reverses, causing the compass needle to deflect in the opposite direction (from west to east).

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