Question

Write the shape of the magnetic field produced by a current carrying straight conductor. State the rule to find the direction of this field.

Answer 1

Magnetic Field Around a Straight Current-Carrying Wire:
A straight wire carrying an electric current generates a magnetic field that forms concentric circles around the wire, with the wire at the center. The intensity of this magnetic field diminishes with increasing distance from the wire.

Determining Magnetic Field Direction:
The direction of the magnetic field surrounding a current-carrying wire is determined using the Right-Hand Thumb Rule.
This rule states:- Grasp the conductor with your right hand so that your thumb indicates the direction of the current flow (from positive to negative).- The direction in which your fingers curl around the conductor represents the direction of the magnetic field lines.

Consequently, the magnetic field adopts a circular pattern around the conductor. The direction of these circular field lines is indicated by the curl of your fingers when your right thumb aligns with the current's direction.