Final answer:
To sketch the magnetic field around a current-carrying straight conductor, draw circular lines using a compass to mark the direction of the magnetic field at various points, then connect them.
Step-by-step explanation:
To sketch the magnetic field pattern around a current-carrying straight conductor using a magnetic compass, you would draw circular lines around the wire. This is because the magnetic field vectors around a straight wire carrying electric current are tangent to concentric circles centered on the wire.
The field has no component toward the current-carrying wire, which is indicated by the lack of radial directionality in the pattern formed. To visualize the pattern, a compass can be used to map the field lines. At each point around the wire, place the compass and mark a short line in the direction the compass needle points.
Progressively moving the compass around the wire and marking the direction of the needle at different points, you can then connect these points to show the continuous path of magnetic field lines. This method can be supplemented by sprinkling iron filings around the wire, which will align themselves along the magnetic field lines, further revealing the circular pattern.