Field around a wire

Field around a wire

A magnetic field is produced when a current flows through a conducting wire. This field takes a circular shape.
The field is strongest close to the wire. Increasing the current also increases the strength of the field.
The direction of the field can be determined using the right-hand grip rule.
- Hold out your right hand and point your thumb so that it points in the direction of the current.
- Curl your fingers. The direction they point in is the direction of the magnetic field.

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