Question

A ring with a clockwise current is situated with its center on the x-axis. What is the direction of the magnetic field at the origin (0,0)?

a) In the positive x-direction
b) In the negative x-direction
c) In the positive y-direction
d) In the negative y-direction

Answer 1

Using the right-hand rule, a clockwise current in a ring with its center on the x-axis produces a magnetic field at the origin in the negative y-direction.

Step-by-step explanation:

The direction of the magnetic field at the origin (0,0) from a ring with a clockwise current, whose center is on the x-axis, can be determined using the right-hand rule. Position your right hand so that your thumb points in the direction of the current. With the current flowing clockwise when viewed from the x-axis, your fingers would curl into the page at the location of the origin. Thus, the magnetic field at the origin would be in the negative y-direction (option d).