Question

What inferences were drawn from Oersteds experiment?

• A. A current or a moving charge produces magnetic field around it
• B. Presence of magnetic field can be detected using a compass needle
• C. The strength and direction of the magnetic field depends on the magnitude and direction of the current
• D. All of the above

Answer 1

The correct option is D All of the above

Oersted conducted an experiment to study the magnetic effect of electric current. In this experiment he observed the deflections of a compass needle placed in close proximity of an electric wire carrying current. He observed that in the absence of current the needle came to rest in Earths North-south direction under the influence of Earths magnetic field. However, when the needle was kept in close proximity of an electric wire carrying current it showed deflections in the east and west direction depending on the direction of current. Thus, indicating that the strength and direction of the magnetic field depends on the magnitude and direction of the current.