Physics – 4.5.3 Magnetic effect of a current | e-Consult
4.5.3 Magnetic effect of a current (1 questions)
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The magnetic field produced by a straight current-carrying wire forms concentric circles around the wire. The direction of the magnetic field can be determined using the right-hand rule. Point your thumb in the direction of the conventional current (positive charge flow) in the wire. Your fingers will curl in the direction of the magnetic field lines.
The magnetic field is strongest close to the wire and decreases with distance from the wire. The field lines are perpendicular to the wire.
| Diagram of a straight wire with magnetic field lines. Thumb points in current direction, fingers curl in field direction. |