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Multiple Choice
A wire carries a positive current to the left in the plane of this screen. What is the direction of the magnetic field at a point near the top of the screen, still in the plane of the screen?
A
Upward toward the top of the screen.
B
Downward toward the bottom of the screen.
C
Out of the plane of the screen.
D
To the left.
E
To the right.
F
Into the plane of the screen.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the direction of the current: The problem states that the current is positive and flows to the left in the plane of the screen.
Apply the right-hand rule for magnetic fields around a current-carrying wire: Point your thumb in the direction of the current (to the left) and curl your fingers around the wire.
Determine the direction of the magnetic field at the point of interest: Since the point is near the top of the screen, your curled fingers will point into the plane of the screen at that location.
Understand the orientation: The right-hand rule shows that the magnetic field forms concentric circles around the wire, with the direction determined by the curl of your fingers.
Conclude the direction: At the top of the screen, the magnetic field direction is into the plane of the screen, as indicated by the orientation of your curled fingers.