Question

The magnetic effect of electric current was discovered by

• A. Maxwell
• B. Oersted
• C. Ampere
• D. none of these

Answer 1

The correct option is B

Oersted

Step 1. Explanation for the correct option

Option B.

1. The magnetic effect of electric current was discovered by H.C. Oersted in 1820.
2. He observed that the flow of electric current through a conductor produces a magnetic field around it.

Step 2. Explanation for incorrect options

Option A.

1. Maxwell was the first person to calculate the speed of propagation of electromagnetic waves which was the same as the speed of light and came to the conclusion that EM waves and visible light are similar.

Option C.

1. Ampere discovered that the magnetic field created by an electric current is proportional to the size of that electric current with a constant of proportionality equal to the permeability of free space.

Hence, option (B) is the correct answer.