Question

What is meant by magnetic effect of current? With the help of a labelled diagram, demonstrate the magnetic effect of current. Briefly explain Oersted's experiment.

Answer 1

When an electric current passes through a conductor, a magnetic field is created around it. This is the magnetic effect of current. This was first observed by Hans Christian Oersted during an experiment. He observed that the needles of a compass placed near a current-carrying conductor were deflected every time a current passed through the conductor. When the direction of the current was reversed, the needles of the compass were deflected in the opposite direction. By this experiment, Oersted concluded that whenever current passes through a conductor, a magnetic field is created around it, causing it to behave like a magnet. The diagram below shows the magnetic effect of electric current.

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