Finding direction using magnetic fields

[astru025]

Problem: You can make an electromagnet by wrapping wire around a wire and connecting the ends to a battery. If the battery is connected so that current wraps up in the front and down in the back, which direction will the magnetic field of the nail point?

Answer: the magnetic field of the nail will point around the nail and in the same direction as the current.

I don't know if this answer is correct. Was wondering if someone could please help me with this question? Thanks!

 

[NoPoke]

try working out the direction of the magnetic field in the middle of a loop of wire carrying a current.

 

[astru025]

It will go around the nail but opposite the current? Is that correct?

 

[Sinead302]

You mean the wire is wrapped around a nail?

The magnet field does not point in the same direction as the current. You find the direction of a magnetic field using the right hand rule. Wrap the fingers of your right hand in the direction of the flow of current, your thump will then be pointing in the direction of the magnetic field.

 

[HalfLostAndSearching]

Yes, your answer is correct. The magnetic field of the nail will point in the direction of the current, which is around the nail. This is known as the right-hand rule, where the direction of the magnetic field is determined by pointing your thumb in the direction of the current and your fingers will curl in the direction of the magnetic field.