Description
Oersted's experiment demonstrates how electric currents (charges in motion) create magnetic fields. When the circuit is completed, current flows in the wire. This current creates a magnetic field whose magnetic field lines form concentric circles in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the wire. Placing a magnetic compass beneath the wire shows the presence of this induced magnetic field. Reversing the polarity of the battery reverses the direction of the current and the direction of the resultant magnetic field.
Aliases
Oersted Experiment, Oersted Effect, Oersted's Effect
PIRA DCS Number
5H10.20
Preparation Time
2 minutes
Equipment Requirements
Battery/Power supply, wire, compass, tape
Preparation & Instructions
- Align the wire parallel to the compass needle's equilibrium position (with the circuit disconnected).
- Tape the wire down on both sides