Magnetic Field produced by Electric Curent


 
 
Concept Explanation
 

Magnetic Field produced by Electric Current

An electric current flowing through a conductor produces magnetic field. This was first observed by in 1820 by a Danish physicist Hans Christian Oersted. It is said that he was demostrating an experiment to show heating effect of electric current. He noticed that each time he switched on the current a magnetic compass placed near the circuit showed a deflection, which led to the first connection between electricity and magnetism.

  • He was demonstrating the experiment on the heating effect of current; he suddenly noticed that every time he switched on the current a magnetic needle placed nearby showed deflection.
  • The behavior is same as when a magnet is brought near a compass.
  • He concluded that an electric field cannot be produced without charge but magnetic field can be produced without magnet.
  • If the direction of the current is from south to north , the north pole of the needle will come to rest pointing west.
  • When the direction of the current is changed the direction of deflection of needle will be changed.
  • Electrons inside an atom are in rotational motion around the nucleus as shown in the figure. It is equivalent to a current loop. Hence atom as a whole consists of many tiny magnets. The magnetic properties of atoms are dependent on the direction of motion of electrons.

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    Sample Questions
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    Question : 1

    Which of the following are correct :

    (a) Danish physicist Hans Christian Oersted noticed that each time he switched on the current a magnetic compass placed near the circuit showed a deflection.

    (b) An electric current flowing through a conductor produces magnetic field.

    Right Option : C
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    Question : 2

    An electric current flowing through a  _____________________ produces magnetic field.

    Right Option : A
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    Question : 3

    Which of the following are correct :

    (a) Danish physicist Hans Christian Oersted concluded that an electric field cannot be produced without charge but magnetic field can be produced without magnet.

    (b) The electron while rotating around the nucleus also revolve around their own axis similar to the motion of the Earth around the Sun and round its own axis.

    (c) An electric current flowing through a conductor produces magnetic field.

    Right Option : D
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