PURPOSE: To show that a current carrying wire has a Magnetic Field.

DESCRIPTION: The overhead compass is mounted directly below a wire on an overhead projector. When a 12 Volts DC current is put through the wire the compass needle lines up perpendicular to the wire, showing that the current carrying wire produces a magnetic field perpendicular to the wire. The action is viewed using an overhead projector

SUGGESTIONS:

EQUIPMENT: Overhead compass, long wire connected to 12 VDC power supply, and overhead projector.

SETUP TIME: 30 Min.