hjapl
Dec30-09, 08:00 PM
1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
A conductor is aligned with Earth's magnetic lines of force. The compass set above the conductor points in a line parallel to the conductor. A DC power supply is connected to form a closed circuit with the conductor. Explain how this information could be used to identify the anode and the cathode for the power supply.
2. Relevant equations
Right hand rules.
3. The attempt at a solution
I guess since the Earth's magnetic lines of force are in a North/South direction that thats the way the conductor would face. Since it's lined up, the conductor probably has the current flowing from bottom to top (a.k.a. South to North). However, Im not really sure where to go from here and Im not even sure if what I just said is right. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks :)
A conductor is aligned with Earth's magnetic lines of force. The compass set above the conductor points in a line parallel to the conductor. A DC power supply is connected to form a closed circuit with the conductor. Explain how this information could be used to identify the anode and the cathode for the power supply.
2. Relevant equations
Right hand rules.
3. The attempt at a solution
I guess since the Earth's magnetic lines of force are in a North/South direction that thats the way the conductor would face. Since it's lined up, the conductor probably has the current flowing from bottom to top (a.k.a. South to North). However, Im not really sure where to go from here and Im not even sure if what I just said is right. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks :)