Columbia University Physics Lecture Demonstrations


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5H10.1 Oersted Effect

[Setup Time: 15 Min.] [Current Condition: Good]

Info

A compass needle is deflected near a current-carrying wire. Reverse the flow of current and the needle also reverses direction.

Setup Instructions

1. Attach the power supply to the Oersted apparatus.

2. Place compass under the large display wire and make sure that the needle is parallel to the wire before the current is turned on; the needle should deflect different directions when the current flows in different directions.

Parts List

Oersted Rectangular Wire in M1D

Car Battery near sink

Compass Needle (red) in L1D

Banana Plug Lead next to stand bench

DPDT Knife Switch in K1A

Power Cord in Cable Rack

Small Block in D2B

Relevant Simulation

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Other Information

Oersted Experiment

Real-Life Examples

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More Advanced Reading

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