[Physics] How to relate the direction of a compass needle to the direction of a current

electromagnetismhomework-and-exercises

  1. A compass needle is placed above the wire points with its N-pole toward the east. In what direction is the current flowing?
  2. If a compass is put underneath the wire, in which direction will the needle point?

I have quite a few problems on this for my Physics homework tonight, and I am utterly confused. The book says nothing about direction besides stating the right hand rule. What confuses me is that the compass needle points with its N-pole towards the east. So would that change the direction of the current? And then also, what is the difference between the magnetic field above and below the wire?

Best Answer

The right hand rule is a trick for remembering the direction of a magnetic field generated by a current in a wire. The compass is showing you what direction the magnetic field is in, so you can use the right hand rule to work out whether the current is flowing north to south or south to north.

There's a good diagram of the magnetic field around a wire here. This should help you work out why the compass might point ina different direction above and below the wire.

Related Question