To investigate the pattern of the magnetic field, one can use a compass needle placed near the conductor. The deflection of the compass needle indicates the direction of the magnetic field lines, allowing for the visualization of the field around the current-carrying conductor.
How can we investigate the pattern of the magnetic field around a straight conductor carrying current?
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The deflection of a compass needle near a current-carrying wire is governed by the right-hand rule. According to this rule, if you grasp the wire with your right hand, with your thumb pointing in the direction of the current, and your fingers encircling the wire, the magnetic field lines around the wire will follow the direction of your fingers.
If you increase the current flowing through the wire, the magnetic field produced around the wire becomes stronger. This, in turn, affects the deflection of the compass needle. The compass needle aligns itself with the magnetic field lines, so an increase in current results in a stronger magnetic field, leading to a greater deflection of the compass needle.
In summary, increasing the current in the copper wire increases the strength of the magnetic field around the wire, leading to a larger deflection of the compass needle.
To investigate the magnetic field pattern around a straight conductor carrying current, one can use a magnetic compass or a Hall effect sensor. Place the compass or sensor at various points around the conductor, keeping it in the same plane. Note the direction of the needle or the sensor output. The observed patterns will form concentric circles centered on the conductor, indicating the magnetic field lines. Additionally, using the right-hand rule, the orientation of the magnetic field around the conductor can be predicted. Quantitative measurements can be obtained by varying the distance from the conductor and recording the corresponding magnetic field strength with appropriate instruments.