One of the effects of a current flowing in a conductor is that a magnetic field is…
PHYSICS · Multi-part · A Level · Physics · Fields and their consequences · Fields and their consequences
Problem
One of the effects of a current flowing in a conductor is that a magnetic field is produced around the conductor.
(a) Sketch a diagram to show the shape of a magnetic field, produced by a current, around a conductor.
(b) How can you know which direction the magnetic field is in?
(c) If the current flowing in a conductor is increased, how will your sketch of the magnetic field pattern around the conductor change?
(d) There is no magnetic field around a conductor through which no current is flowing. Suggest a likely relationship between the strength of a magnetic field caused by a current and the size of the current.
(e) Suggest a relationship between the strength of the magnetic field caused by a current flowing in a conductor and the perpendicular distance away from the conductor.