The diagram represents a wire with electrons moving in the...

The diagram represents a wire with electrons moving in the direction shown. At point $A$, the magnetic field is directed
(A) out of the page
(B) into the page
(C) from left to right
(D) from right to left

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Key Concepts

Magnetic Fields Produced by Electric Currents

When an electric current flows through a conductor, it generates a magnetic field that circulates around the wire. This phenomenon is described by Ampère’s law and is visualized as concentric circles around the conductor. The strength of the field depends on the magnitude of the current and the distance from the wire.

Right-Hand Rule

The right-hand rule provides a simple method to determine the direction of the magnetic field generated by a current-carrying conductor. By pointing the thumb of the right hand in the direction of the conventional current, the curling fingers indicate the direction of the magnetic field lines around the conductor.

Conventional Current vs. Electron Flow

Conventional current is defined as the flow of positive charge, even though in many conductors the charge carriers are electrons, which move in the opposite direction. Understanding this distinction is essential when applying the right-hand rule, as the direction of the conventional current, not the electron flow, determines the orientation of the magnetic field.

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