Look at Fig. 4.4a. If the compass near the coil deflects: (i) Draw an arrow to show the path of the current. (ii) Explain why the compass needle moves when current flows. (iii) Predict what happens to the deflection if you reverse the battery terminals.
๐ Concept: 4.1.1 Electromagnets
Show answer
Explanation
- (i) The current flows from the positive terminal, through the coil, back to the negative terminal.
- (ii) The current makes a magnetic field around the coil, which moves the compass needle.
- (iii) Reversing the terminals reverses the current, so the needle deflects the other way.