Question about magnetic fields in coiled conductors

[Byrne]

Okay, say I have a coiled conductor below where the direction of the magnetic field is indicated in the North direction.

+()()()()()- ---> N

If I were to place a compass in the following position, what would happen?

(a)

COMPASS +()()()()()-

(b)

+()()()()()- COMPASS

Okay, so given that the north end of a compass is repelled by the north pole of any magnet creating the field, are my answers correct:

(a) COMPASS needle will point ---> as it is attracted by the southern magnetic flow created by the coiled conductor.

(b) COMPASS needle will point ---> as it is repelled by the northern magnetic flow created by the coiled conductor.

 

[Chi Meson]

Correct.

Still, the better way to think about direction of compasses: a compass will allign itself with the net magnetic field it is in (with the north end pointing in the direction of magnetic flux).