Question

A current flows in a conductor from east to west. The direction of the magnetic field at a point above the conductor is:

• A. Towards east
• B. Towards west
• C. Towards north
• D. Towards south

Answer 1

The correct option is C

Towards north

Explanation for the correct option

C: Towards north

1. According to the basic crux of the “right-hand thumb rule” if the thumb of the right-hand points in the direction of the electric current, then the direction of curling of the fingers gives the direction of the magnetic field as depicted in the figure shown above.
2. In the given problem, the current is flowing from the “east to west” direction and if we point the right thumb in the direction of the current i.e in the “west” direction, our fingers will curl in the “north” direction which gives the direction of the magnetic field.
3. Below diagram depicts that on pointing the right thumb in the direction of the current i.e in the “west direction”, the fingers curl in the “north” direction which gives the direction of the magnetic field.

Hence, option (C) is correct.