A magnetic compass shows a deflection when placed near a current carrying wire. How will the deflection of the compass get affected if the current in the wire is increased? Support your answer with a reason.

Question

A magnetic compass shows a deflection when placed near a current carrying wire. How will the deflection of the compass get affected if the current in the wire is increased? Support your answer with a reason.

Philoid · Accepted Answer

If the current in the wire is increased the deflection of compass needle increases. The magnetic field due to current carrying straight conductor is directly proportional to the strength of current passing through it. So the strength of magnetic field increases as the magnitude of electric current in the wire increases.