Electric current magnetic field

Series of experiments related to understanding how electric current is generated

Aim:

Observe how electric current generates magnetic fields and their behavior.

Material:

• Direct current source, or battery.
• Electric cable, of any type.
• Compass

Process:

• Assemble a circuit from the current source.
• Position the compass above the conductor in such a way that the compass needle and the conductor are parallel.
• Connect source

Observe what happens and write it down:

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Has the needle deviated? Write down the reason why you think it could have deviated:

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Place your right hand on top of the conductor with your thumb pointing to the side where the needle has deviated (electrical current flows in the direction as if it were entering through the fingertips).

Swap the conductor connections, observe what happens, and explain accordingly.

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