What is the Magnetic Effect of Electric Current?

Answer: The magnetic effect of electric current is a fascinating phenomenon in physics. It refers to the creation of a magnetic field around a conductor carrying an electric current. This phenomenon was first discovered by Hans Christian Oersted in 1820.

When electric current flows through a wire, it generates a circular magnetic field around the wire. The direction of this magnetic field can be determined using the right-hand thumb rule, which relates the direction of the current to the direction of the magnetic field lines.

This magnetic effect is the basis for various practical applications, such as electromagnets, electric motors, and generators. Electromagnets use a coil of wire with an electric current to produce a controllable magnetic field, while electric motors and generators rely on the interaction between magnetic fields and electric currents to convert energy between electrical and mechanical forms.

In summary, the magnetic effect of electric current is a fundamental concept with wide-ranging applications in technology and everyday life.