Which Direction Does a Compass Point When Current Flows North?

[Precursor]

Homework Statement

If a current of electrons flow through the conducting wire from south to north, in which direction will the compass deflect.

a)west
b)east
c)north
d)south

Homework Equations

None are necessary.

The Attempt at a Solution

I think the answer is west, because using the left hand rule, the magnetic field produced by the wire is in a western direction which will cause the northward pointing compass to deflect west. Am I right?

 

[anathema]

Yes, you are correct. The left hand rule states that if you point your thumb in the direction of the current flow (south to north), then the direction your fingers curl represents the direction of the magnetic field. In this case, the magnetic field is pointing west, causing the compass to deflect in that direction.

 

[thomate1]

Yes, you are correct. The magnetic field produced by the current flowing through the wire will cause the compass to deflect to the west, according to the left hand rule. This is because the magnetic field lines around a current-carrying wire form circles around the wire, with the direction of the field determined by the direction of the current flow. In this case, the current is flowing from south to north, so the magnetic field will be directed to the west.