Describe how you could show that a magnetic field has been produced around the wire - AQA - GCSE Physics - Question 4 - 2018 - Paper 1
Question 4
Describe how you could show that a magnetic field has been produced around the wire.
[2 marks]
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Describe how you could show that a magnetic field has been produced around the wire - AQA - GCSE Physics - Question 4 - 2018 - Paper 1
Step 1
Move a compass around the wire
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Answer
To demonstrate that a magnetic field has been produced around the wire, you can move a magnetic (plotting) compass around it. As you do this, you will observe that the needle of the compass deflects. This deflection indicates the presence of a magnetic field, and the changes in direction of the needle correspond to the directions of the magnetic field lines around the wire.
Step 2
Use iron filings
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Answer
Alternatively, you can sprinkle iron filings on a piece of paper placed over the wire. Tapping the paper gently will cause the filings to align along the magnetic field lines, visually illustrating the pattern of the magnetic field around the wire.
