Why do needle of a magnetic compass show deflection when kept near an electric circuit?

Open in App

Solution

Current is simple the motion of electric charge as they travel from a region of high potential to low potential. Now, we know that a charge carrier a electric field and if it accelerating it will also exhibit a magnetic field around it. This would mean that electric current also constitutes magnetic field and this is the reason why a magnetic needle shows a deflection when kept in the presence of passing electric current.

Suggest Corrections

Similar questions

Why does a magnetic compass shows different deflection of its needle when put below and above the wire of a circuit????

Why does a compass needle get deflected when brought near a bar magnet ?

The deflection of the needle of a compass when it is placed near a current carrying wire is an example of magnetic effect of electric current.

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?

Q. A compass needle deflects when kept next to an electric wire. The reason for the deflection is:

Join BYJU'S Learning Program