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).

 

[kyle8921]

I can confirm that your answers are correct. In both scenarios, the compass needle will align itself with the magnetic field lines created by the coiled conductor. In the first scenario, the needle will point towards the north direction, while in the second scenario, it will point towards the south direction. This is because the compass needle is a small magnet itself and is affected by the magnetic field of the coiled conductor. The direction of the magnetic field can be determined by using the right-hand rule, which states that if you point your thumb in the direction of the current flow, your fingers will curl in the direction of the magnetic field. In this case, the direction of the magnetic field is indicated by the North direction, so your answers are correct.