The deflection of the compass needle increases as the current in the copper wire is increased.
What happens to the deflection of the compass needle when the current in the copper wire is increased?
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When the current in the copper wire is increased, the deflection of the compass needle also increases. This behavior is a result of the relationship between electric currents and magnetic fields, described by the right-hand rule and Ampere’s Law.
An increasing current in a straight conductor produces a stronger magnetic field around the conductor. The magnetic field lines form concentric circles around the wire. When a compass needle is placed in this magnetic field, it aligns itself with the field lines. As the current increases, the magnetic field becomes more intense, causing a greater deflection in the compass needle.
In summary, an increase in current through the copper wire results in a stronger magnetic field around the wire, leading to an increased deflection of the compass needle placed in proximity to the wire. This phenomenon is a fundamental principle in electromagnetism and is essential for various applications in physics and engineering.