Question

On which of the following factor, the direction of deflection of a magnetic needle of a compass depends when the compass is kept near a current carrying wire?

• A. Size of magnetic needle.
• B. Size of the battery.
• C. Direction of current flowing.
• D. Magnitude of current flowing.

Answer 1

The correct option is C Direction of current flowing.

When a current flows through a wire, magnetic field will be produced around it. So, when a compass is kept near the wire, the magnetic needle of the compass gets deflected.

Now, the direction in which the needle deflects depend on the direction of current in the wire. The direction of deflection can be verified using the right hand thumb rule.