Multiple choice

A current-carrying straight conductor is placed along West-East direction. What will be the direction of the force experienced by this conductor due to Earth’s magnetic field?

  1. It will be deflected in the direction of current.

  2. It will be deflected opposite to the direction of current.

  3. It will be deflected vertically downwards.

  4. It will be deflected vertically upwards.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The direction of Earth’s magnetic field is from geographical South to geographical North. According to Fleming’s left-hand rule, a current-carrying straight conductor placed along West-East direction will be deflected vertically upwards.

Fleming’s Left hand rulestates that if we  stretch the thumb, forefinger and middle finger of your left hand such that they are mutually perpendicular. If the first finger points in the direction of magnetic field and the second finger in the direction of current, then the thumb will point in the direction of motion or the force acting on the conductor. 

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