Question

Name three liquids, which when tested in the manner shown in Fig., may cause the magnetic needle to deflect.

Answer 1

1. In the above diagram, a magnetic compass needle is connected to a circuit, and the liquid in the container is a part of the circuit.
2. For a magnetic compass to show deflection, a magnetic field must be present, and a current carrying conductor produces the magnetic field. This implies that a current must be flowing through the conductor in order for the magnetic compass to show deflection.
3. Since the liquid is a part of the circuit, it must be a good conductor of electricity in order to let the current flow through it.
4. When acids, bases, and salts are added to water, then it makes the solution conductive. As this solution ionizes and lets electricity to flow through them.
5. So, the solution of water with any three of the acids, bases, and salts will cause a deflection in magnetic current.
6. Thus, some examples of good conductors of electricity are vinegar, lime juice, and salt water.

Hence, the liquids that will cause the magnetic needle to deflect are vinegar, lime juice, and salt water.