Why Didn't the Disk Rotate in Maxwell's Magnetic Field Experiment?

AI Thread Summary
Maxwell's experiment aimed to investigate the magnetic field around a long, straight conductor with a steady current. Despite applying the right-hand rule, the disk did not rotate, raising questions about the nature of the magnetic field. The discussion suggests that understanding Maxwell's version of Ampere's law is crucial to explain this phenomenon. Participants express confusion about the setup, particularly regarding the interaction between the current and the magnetic field outside the wire. Clarifying these concepts is essential to grasp why the disk remained stationary despite the current flow.
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Homework Statement


James Clerk Maxwell used an equipment to confirm the nature of the magnetic field around a long, straight conductor. he found that no matter how large the current through the wire, the disk did not rotate at all.

a. explain how this device can be used to determine the nature of the magnetic field around a conductor with a steady current.



Homework Equations


none

The Attempt at a Solution


By using the right hand rule.. the magnetic field is going to be horizontal and going in a counterclockwise direction... so why wouldn't the disk spin?
 

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So, you are supposed to talk about Maxwell's version of Ampere's law? Sorry, I don't really understand the problem. I think your picture is showing a current going through a wire, and a magnetic disk on the outside. You are supposed to talk about what happens outside the wire?
 

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