Class 7 Science- Chapter 10- Electric Current and its Effects- Activity 10.5- Observing the Magnetic Effect of Electric Current with a Compass Needle

Objective- This activity is designed to help students understand the magnetic effect of electric current by observing how a compass needle behaves near a current-carrying wire.

Concepts to Understand

Magnetic Effect of Electric Current- When electric current flows through a wire, it creates a magnetic field around the wire, which can affect nearby magnetic materials like a compass needle.
Compass Needle- A compass needle is a small magnet that aligns itself with Earth’s magnetic field. When subjected to another magnetic field, like that around a current-carrying wire, it can change its direction.

Materials Needed-

A small compass
An electric cell
A switch
A piece of insulated wire
A cardboard tray (like from a matchbox)

Steps to Follow-

Preparing the Setup-

Wrap the insulated wire a few times around the cardboard tray.
Place the compass needle inside the tray, surrounded by the wire.
Connect the free ends of the wire to the electric cell through the switch, completing the circuit.

Conducting the Experiment-

Observe the initial direction in which the compass needle points (this is usually the north-south direction).
Bring a bar magnet close to the compass needle and notice any change in its direction.
Now, carefully move the switch to the ‘ON’ position and watch the compass needle.
Observe whether the needle deflects when the current flows through the wire.

Recording Observations-

Note if the compass needle changes direction when the current is switched on and whether it returns to its initial position when the current is off.
Repeat the experiment a few times for consistency.

Understanding the Concept-

When the current flows through the wire, it creates a magnetic field, which affects the compass needle, causing it to deflect.
This demonstrates that an electric current can produce a magnetic field, much like a magnet.
The experiment shows the magnetic effect of electric current, a fundamental concept in electromagnetism.

Conclusion-

This activity helps students visually understand and grasp the concept of the magnetic effect of electric current. It lays the foundation for further exploration into how electricity and magnetism are interconnected, leading to the concept of electromagnets and their applications in various devices and technologies.

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