7.2.1

The Magnetic Effect of a Current

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The Magnetic Effect of a Current

Any electric current produces a magnetic field.

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Magnetic field lines

  • The magnetic field lines created by current are shown above in the image.
  • The magnetic field lines are circles around a single conducting wire.
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Strength of magnetic field

  • The strength of the field depends on the size of the current and the distance away from the wire.
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Right hand grip

  • The direction of the field lines depends on the direction of the current.
    • Grip the wire with your right hand, with the thumb pointing in the direction of the current.
    • Your fingers curled around the wire will point in the direction of the magnetic field.

Jump to other topics

1Energy

2Electricity

3Particle Model of Matter

4Atoms & Radiation

5Forces

5.1Basics of Motion

5.2Forces

5.3Effects of Forces

5.4Pressure

6Waves

7Magnetism

8Astrophysics

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