Two long, straight, parallel conductors X and Y are fixed 3 cm apart in a horizontal…
PHYSICS · Single correct · A Level · Physics · Fields and their consequences · Fields and their consequences
Problem
Two long, straight, parallel conductors X and Y are fixed 3 cm apart in a horizontal plane and are aligned along the north–south direction. Conductor X carries 4 A towards the geographic north, while conductor Y carries 4 A towards the geographic south. A magnetic compass is placed exactly midway between the two wires. Which statement correctly describes the initial position of the compass needle?
(a) The needle aligns east–west with its north pole pointing east.
(b) The needle deflects 45∘ towards the north-east.
(c) The needle shows no noticeable deflection from the north–south line.
(d) The needle aligns east–west with its north pole pointing west.