When an electric current flows through a circular loop of wire, it generates a magnetic field. This phenomenon is fundamental to electromagnetism and finds applications in devices like solenoids and transformers.
Imagine a current carrying circular loop of wire on the plane of your answer sheet. The magnetic field inside the loop is into the plane of the paper. i) What must be the direction of the current in the loop? ii) State the rule used here.
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i) To determine the direction of the current in the loop, we can apply the right-hand rule for the magnetic field around a current-carrying conductor.
If the magnetic field inside the loop is into the plane of the paper, the current in the loop must be flowing in the clockwise direction when viewed from the side where the field is entering. In other words, if you imagine holding the wire with your right hand in such a way that your thumb points in the direction of the current, your fingers will curl in the direction of the magnetic field inside the loop.
ii) The rule used here is the right-hand rule for the magnetic field around a current-carrying conductor. According to this rule:
Point the thumb of your right hand in the direction of the current.
Extend your fingers, and the curling of your fingers represents the direction of the magnetic field around the conductor.
In the case of a circular loop, the right-hand rule helps determine the direction of the magnetic field inside the loop based on the direction of the current flowing through it.