Magnetic Field Around a Current-Carrying Wire

Vertical wire attached to a power supply set on a lecture bench

Concept Overview:

1. A current-carrying wire produces a magnetic field.

Lecturer Procedure

Step(s) to Follow	Expected Result
1. Turn on power supply. 2. Sprinkle iron filings onto the plexiglass. 3. Tap the plexiglass until a pattern forms.	Concentric rings of iron filings should form around the wire, thus showing the magnetic field (see below)

Step(s) to Follow

Expected Result

1. Turn on power supply.

2. Sprinkle iron filings onto the plexiglass.

3. Tap the plexiglass until a pattern forms.

Concentric rings of iron filings should form around the wire, thus showing the magnetic field (see below)

Iron filings form rings around the vertical wire