The magnetic effect of a current-carrying conductor

Principle

Whereas the heating and lighting effects of electric current are directly perceivable with human senses, this is not the case with the chemical and magnetic effects.
In this experiment, the students should recognise that a current-carrying conductor is surrounded by a magnetic field. They will then be in a position to understand the functioning of common electrical appliances and equipment, such as electric bells and electric motors.
For the explanation of the phenomena which occur during the experiment, it is helpful when the knowledge of the students on permanent magnetism (forces between magnets; magnetic poles; magnetic fields) is refreshed prior to this experiment.

Task

Does electric current also exert magnetic effects?

1. Use a compass needle to examine whether a straight conductor which is carrying current exerts a magnetic effect.
2. Demonstrate that a coil which carries current acts like a bar magnet, and examine on what the strength of its magnetic field is dependent.

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